Vampire Energy Loss
Boston Gal has written extensively about her use of an energy meter around her home and ‘phantom’ energy losses.
I got this really awesome graphic of Vampire Energy Loss* from a friend of mine. I think it’s brilliant. It shows which appliances use the most energy in two types of standby modes and the approximate dollar cost. I can guaran-damn-tee you that I’ll never get a plasma TV after looking at the graphic.
As it is, I run only a computer, LCD monitor, Sony Dreamcube alarm clock, rice cooker (when I’m cooking and leaving it on warm setting), fridge, and a regular microwave. Even my toaster is unplugged on the counter and I use a regular toothbrush, though I’ve thought about getting a Sonicare one since my college friend, now dentist, recommends it.
Just some thoughts for you in the battery-laden, blinky holiday light season about your energy use. I mean, after all, I’m going to California for 5 days and you know I’ll be shutting off my computer and monitor, but my alarm clock will stay on. The thermostat is going down to 55 as well.
* Formally, the data is from the ‘2005 Intrusive Residential Standby Service Report’ from the Dept. of Energy. Your tax dollars at work. 
Mrs. Micah wrote:
I periodically unplug the microwave, which then leads to great confusion…
Posted on 17-Dec-07 at 4:17 pm | Permalink
E.C. wrote:
My brother actually gives me a hard time about shutting down my computer and switching off the power strip whenever it isn’t in use. Then again, electricity is included in his rent so he doesn’t see what a difference it makes.
Posted on 17-Dec-07 at 8:06 pm | Permalink
Brian A wrote:
I tend to keep my desktop on all the time since I’m of the school that thinks constantly shutting down and starting up your computer takes a wear on the more mechanical parts of it (like the hard drives). So, I only turn it off when I know I will be away for more than a day. So, in this case it’s a weird balance between saving energy and saving your computer.
Thanks for this. It got me to unplug my cordless phone that stopped working over a month ago!
Posted on 18-Dec-07 at 11:26 am | Permalink