While we look at our electric bill with a magnifying glass and hold our breath when we get to a section of the total to pay, there are “invisible” consumption who was sneaking up and widening the hole in our pocket. And this is vampire energy or phantom energy, which translates into wasted hard money. a The daily enemy From our homes kill the idea of energy efficiency.
It occurs when electronic devices are turned off, but are plugged in or when they remain in “standby” mode with the distinctive red light continuing to consume electricity. It is estimated that this ‘standby’ position in Spain is roughly a 3% of the country’s total electricity consumptionand represents a Eleven% of electricity consumed at home, according to data from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings (IDEA). That is about 132 euros per year. “The type of energy consumed is the same for ‘standby’ as for equipment use, but in most cases this standby mode does not add any value to the user,” IDAE experts explain to ABC.
It is the energy that keeps equipment ready for use in a faster and more flexible way, as it is always waiting for it. But they actually state that this “ready” state is not necessary in most cases, since the boot time of the computer, which was not in “standby” mode, is pretty much the same than if I weren’t.” It is a consumption that may be small, but if we count connected devices At home, combined with the fact that in many cases we have them plugged in throughout the day, the overhead becomes even greater.
According to the report smart home market report Compiled by Plume IQ, the average number of connected devices per home is 17, and indicates an increase of 137.5% of these devices in the past six years. And some of those electronic devices that we can identify as sources of vampire consumption are: televisions, microwaves, monitors, speakers, air conditioners, consoles or gas kettles, among others.
Thus, without noticing it, there are devices that constantly consume energy. This happens because all electronic devices use an internal transformer to convert alternating current into direct current that adapts the electrical grid voltage to that needed by the device. Generally, this power supply is not disconnected when the machine is turned off and electricity is still being consumed. Multiple tools besides its red light indicator A clock that strikes or flashes the time. Also circles waiting Ignition command from the remote control They waste electricity.
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In this way, the imaginary consumption represents 1 in every 10 euros of electricity consumption, according to Vaqua. To combat it, there are some appliances or home appliances since 2010 that have limited these expenses by law in accordance with EU Regulation 1275/2008. To put an end to waste, the Ministry of Environmental Transition and the Demographic Challenge’s first piece of advice is: “Unplug equipment that is not being used. We can do it.” Separate directly device or by connecting it ruler With a key we will get away from it.
There are also automatic power strips, which eliminate “standby,” and have a system that detects the device and when the power strip is turned off, it automatically stops sending power to the other peripherally connected devices. Programmable timers allow electricity to be consumed only when the appliances require it.
a home tour This will allow us to discover that in the living room, in addition to the devices already mentioned, we have DVD players, phone and laptop chargers, printers, router and desktop computers. In the kitchen, toasters or coffee makers. In the bathroom there are hair dryers or electric toothbrush chargers. Bearing in mind that older device models, prior to 2010, use more vampire power.
As recommended by the IDAE, it is useful to know the actual consumption of any household appliance in use power meter. They are devices that stand between the plug of our appliances and the plug that supplies us with electricity, and provide us with basic information about the demand for electricity. It is very useful to know the real consumption of each device, and measure the imaginary consumption. The price of these devices varies between 15 and 22 euros, and they can be easily found on the Internet or in DIY stores.
Pay attention to labeling
Also, starting from the gesture of the acquisition of the device, we can pay attention to the labeling. Since 2021, the most energy efficient appliances are those labeled A and the least efficient, which is labeled G. And if you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it is recommended to unplug all appliances from the electrical panel except for the refrigerator.
Following all of these recommendations is a priority if we want to end energy vampires and save on our electric bill.
