Unity EarthCare Tip of the Month of September

Be aware of vampire electricity

“Vampire electricity” refers to electricity that certain appliances and devices use, even when turned off.

➢Yes, even when something is turned “off,” it’s not completely off. There is still electricity consumed by electronic devices and appliances when they are turned off but remain plugged into an outlet, or when they are in standby mode.

• This wasted energy can significantly increase energy bills and contribute to

  energy waste, with some estimates suggesting it accounts for 5-10% or

  more of a household's total energy consumption.

• You may also hear of “vampire energy” referred to as “phantom

  load” or “standby power.”

  Why does vampire electricity occur?

• Many devices are designed to be "ready" to power on quickly, even when

  they appear to be off, a state that still consumes energy.

• Features like standby lights, LED indicators, or built-in clocks require a continuous power supply.

• Appliances with remote controls need to stay powered to receive signals from the remote.

The most common household electronic devices and appliances that draw electricity even when in an “off” position include:

• Televisions and Cable/Satellite Boxes

• Computers, monitors, printers and scanners

Kitchen appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, toaster ovens, etc.

What can you do?

• Consider unplugging specific appliances when not in use or you will be away from home for a few days.

• Combine computer accessories into a power strip (preferably a surge protector).

• Look into “smart plugs.”

Unity EarthCare Tip of the Month of August

August 2025

Optimize your house for efficient air conditioning.

It’s still summer and we need to cool down!

The prior month (July, 2025) Tip of the Month suggested making your home air conditioning more efficient by using fans to help circulate the cold air. That actually allows you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature to help save some energy even while using your air conditioner. 

Here are some other small pieces of advice to further help staying cool while minimizing your use of electrical energy:

Clear the area around the cooling vents (not applicable if you have window or wall-mounted AC units).

• Check each floor vent to make sure it’s open and also not obstructed. Check to make sure that furniture, rugs, chair mats, pet beds and anything else are not blocking the vent.

• If your cooling vents are on the wall above the floor, prudent placement of furniture is even more vital.

• Be sure each vent in rooms you use is open. Close the vents in any unused rooms.

Use window coverings to keep out heat.

• Windows that allow full sunshine in are wonderful but they also make the interior temperature warm up. Consider drawing close any vertical or horizontal blinds, shades, curtains and other window coverings. 

• You may wish to invest in plastic sun shields for the windows as well as black-out drapes.

• Another alternative is growing shrubbery or trees outside that will in time help block the direct sunlight.

Make sure your windows are air-tight

• Just as you may insulate windows during winter to keep out the cold, you may likewise insulate during the summer keep out the excess heat.

• Caulk, tape or use plastic to cover any cracks or small openings.

Unity EarthCare Tip of the Month of July

July 2025

Use fans in addition to your air conditioning

When the weather gets hot, most of us will use air conditioning at home to cool off.

• Whether an AC system, one or more window air conditioners or even the newer free-standing air conditioning units, don’t feel guilty about using it when the weather and humidity warrant it.

• True, air conditioning uses a fair bit of energy, so it’s prudent to turn down the thermostat while setting it to air only when truly needed.

• Particularly on our warming planet, air conditioning is less of a luxury and more of a necessity for staying comfortable enough to function as a human. It’s just like using heat during the winter!

• Your electronic devices need to stay cool to avoid overheating, so do it for them if not yourself.

Using fans along with air conditioning is the best solution.

• Using fans with your air conditioner can enhance comfort and potentially save energy. 

• Ceiling fans, in particular, help distribute cool air more evenly, making the room feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting, and allowing you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F without sacrificing comfort. This can lead to significant energy savings over time. 

Here's more on why using fans with AC is beneficial:

• Improved Air Circulation: Fans, especially ceiling fans, help circulate the cool air from your AC unit throughout the room, eliminating hot spots and ensuring even cooling. 

• Enhanced Comfort: The wind chill effect created by fans can make you feel cooler by evaporating sweat, even at higher room temperatures. 

• Extended AC Lifespan: By reducing the workload on your AC unit, fans can potentially help extend its lifespan.

Tips for using fans with your AC:

• During the summer, ensure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise to push cool air down. 

• Consider using a fan in the room where you spend the most time to maximize comfort. 

• Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.