Have you recently received a bill and nearly fell over? Bill shock is common, and one of the leading culprits is energy vampires lurking in your home.
These are appliances that drain power at a much higher rate, potentially during peak periods when it’s the most expensive time of the day. Discovering these vampires is essential if you want to keep your costs down and have a safe home, as many of these drains can be hazardous.
Here are some of the best ways to locate and deal with these vampires.
Locate anything that glows
Turn the lights off at night, and your home will likely look like a solar system. Modern appliances have clocks, timers and glowing lights that all appear when a device is in standby mode.
Standby mode on machines, ranging from televisions to electric toothbrushes, can add cost you hundreds of dollars each year. Common culprits include:
- Computers and laptops
- Video game consoles
- Stereo equipment
- Televisions
- Microwaves
- Thermostats
- Coffee makers
- Fridges
- Security systems
Start disabling those glowing lights now and save.
Start unplugging
Anything with a cord is going to leach power, even if it’s not switched on. Start to locate those rarely used devices that are permanently plugged in. The kitchen is an excellent place to start, where there are likely appliances like food processors etc. that may sit in corners for months without being used.
Spare rooms are another common place where household items can be left plugged in without use. Spare televisions, lighting, fans etc., can be draining electricity without you even knowing it.
Upgrade your appliances
Most modern household items have been designed to have greater efficiencies and come with a rating to help you decide the best options to purchase. Older devices didn’t have that, and many of them can be a real power drain.
Do an audit of your appliances and replace the older items you still want to use. This could also be an opportunity to get rid of things you’re no longer using. Do you still need that fax machine or fad cooking appliance you purchased from late-night television ads? They could just be taking up space and adding to your bill.
Discover which devices are electricity vampires in real-time
The Powerpal Smart Energy Monitor is a simple device that links your electricity usage with your smart device. You’ll get real-time displays on how you are using energy and it will also give you insights into changing your behaviours to lower your costs and usage. Best of all, the Powerpal Smart Energy Monitor also detects those vampires for you.
The best way to save money on your bills is to make the switch to solar power. Speak to the team at Energy Matters, and we can assist you with the best rates and rebates, as well as quality installers and panels.
Get a quick quote, or contact us today toll free on 1800 EMATTERS. You can also email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.
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