Stop Idle Appliances from Wasting Power
“Vampire power draw” refers to the electricity consumed by appliances when they are turned off but still plugged in. Devices like TVs, game consoles, microwave clocks, and chargers consume standby power 24/7. By connecting these devices to smart plugs, you can cut power completely when they are not in use. Here is how to set it up.
1. Identify the Main Culprits
The biggest vampire power hogs in your home are:
- Entertainment centers (TVs, soundbars, game consoles).
- Home office setups (monitors, printers, desktop computers).
- Kitchen counter appliances (coffee makers, blenders).
2. Set Up Smart Plug Routines
Do not just turn the smart plugs off manually. Set up automated schedules in your Alexa or Google Home app:
- Night Shutdown: Turn off all entertainment center plugs at 11:30 PM and turn them back on at 7:00 AM.
- Away Routine: Automatically cut power to your home office plugs whenever your phone GPS leaves the house.
