Three appliances in your living room using ‘ghost electricity’ wasting up to $165 a year

IDLE devices can add hundreds of dollars a year to your electric bills without you even realizing it.

This is called vampire energy or ghost electricity and is created when electricity is wasted just by plugging it in.

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Also, energy can be wasted even when the device is not in use or turned off.

In fact, according to Solaris Renewables, almost 20 percent of all energy use in homes is caused by ghost electricity.

A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that Americans have 65 devices plugged into their homes. The inactive devices or devices cost about $165 per US household.

While it may seem daunting to unplug your whole house, it’s just a simple change that can start saving you money on your energy bills.

Below, The US Sun has compiled an overview of switchable living room appliances, starting with a household classic, the cable box.

1. WIRING BOX

The average digital cable box with DVR can cost Americans nearly $50 a year, according to Save on Energy.

That means if the TV is on but the cable box isn’t recording, the wasted energy will cost you $49.35.

If the TV is off and nothing is being recorded, you lose $49.60.

2. CHARGERS

This small device can have a big impact.

With the average American spending almost 10 hours a day on their devices, keeping them all charged is a huge waste of energy.

Also, these chargers, which power things like cell phones, power tools, and MP3 players, can cost households extra money.

If you have multiple devices plugged in or live with others, the costs can add up quickly, while the hassle of unplugging a few is minimal.

3. COMPUTERS

Computers typically have three modes: idle, hibernate, or off.

When a computer is idle, it can cost an additional $82.21 per year, according to SaveOnEnergy.

When the device is asleep, users could spend $23.48.

And when the computer is off, households spend about $3 a year.

Turning off your computer and monitor completely and unplugging your printer could save you about $25 a year.

However, keep in mind that some devices like routers should be left on even when not in use to ensure a reliable connection during active hours.

MORE ABOUT VAMPIRE DEVICES

While The US Sun was reporting on vampire energy in living rooms, a plethora of other devices are causing additional spending.

In fact, experts say most devices with a standby light or clock generate vampire energy.

Additionally, your fridge is another culprit when it comes to wasting energy.

First off, cleaning your condenser coils at least once a year can save you a lot of money.

These coils are responsible for distributing the heat as the refrigerant flows through them, ensuring that the fridge and freezer remain at the desired temperature.

Just keeping your fridge clean can increase the efficiency of your fridge by 30 percent.

However, be sure to unplug the unit and brush or vacuum the coils carefully.

Cleaning all of your equipment is a sure way to extend its life and work more efficiently.

This means, for example, fluff from your tumble dryer, air filters or dust under your refrigerator.

Con Edison hit millions of Americans with an automatic surcharge, but one that can be avoided.

Plus, these outdated devices can add $190 a year to your energy bill.