We have heard for years that electronic devices in our homes that stay on even when we are not using them waste a lot of energy. These so-called “vampire loads” have become more prevalent all the time as our gadgets become smarter and more connected.
The National Resources Defense Council recently issued a report that attaches some real numbers to this problem, and the results are rather amazing. The annual cost for powering devices that are not in active use is approximately $19 billion dollars and is equal to the output of 50 large power plants. Fifty large power plants are producing electricity that does nothing for us.
On a per-household basis, these vampire energy drains add up to about $165 a year. In some places where electricity rates are tiered, consumers are spending over $400 a year to keep all their devices running around the clock.
Some devices have standby modes including furnaces and garage-door openers; some have sleep modes that allow them to power up quickly; and others simply keep running even when we don’t use them. Many previously mechanical devices have gone digital, including washers, dryers, and fridges. These things now have displays, electronic controls, and even internet connectivity.
Reducing this ongoing waste of electricity will require the use of timers, smart power strips, changing settings on devices, and perhaps most of all, better designs from manufacturers. We enjoy having devices and appliances that are available at our beck and call and that have lots of advanced features. However, we are paying a pretty steep price for the privilege.
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Always-On Inactive Devices May Devour $19 Billion Worth of Electricity Annually
Photo, posted March 20, 2010, courtesy of Mr. TinDC via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.