Energy vampires are defined as devices that use electricity even when off. It’s certainly a convenient thing to be able to leave something plugged in all the time. After all, nobody wants to reach behind the television to unplug it every single time they turn it on, right?

It doesn’t matter if the device is on standby – chances are it will still use electricity.

Saving electricity is important.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the generation of electricity was responsible for more than 32 percent of all greenhouse emissions into 2012. That’s more than any other source. These gases trap heat and contribute to the whole idea of global warming. The majority of this country’s electrical power consumption is currently produced using resources that are not renewable, such as fossil fuels.

Let’s get our heads out of the clouds and ask a more prosaic question. How does this information apply to you?

As you might’ve quickly guessed, reducing electricity will reduce your utility bill.

How much electricity are you wasting?

The majority of electronics in American households are using electricity without the user actually making use of it. If your microwave has an electronic LCD clock, then it is consuming power without using the microwave. The same thing goes for television set-top boxes, stoves that have clocks, and even computers.

It is far more energy-efficient to mount a clock on the wall that uses a single AA battery than it is to keep your stove and microwave as clocks instead.

How to reclaim this lost electricity.

There is more you can do – much more. I’m assuming that you’re like me and you don’t want to reach behind the television to plug it in every time you wish to use it. I’m assuming the same thing goes for your microwave, set-top box, DVD player or VCR, or even your computer. It’s a hassle, and it’s really inconvenient.

There’s a much easier way to do it. By purchasing a power strip with an on/off switch, you can ensure that these energy vampires will starve, thus reducing your electricity and energy bill. Every time that you are done using something, simply flip a switch.

What more can you do?

Always make sure that your appliances are an excellent operating condition – this includes your air conditioner, refrigerator and other major appliances in your home.

In the winter, reset your refrigerator thermostat. Remember that 32°F is frozen and you don’t want your food to get any warmer than 38°F. As it is cooler in the winter, you may want to reset your refrigerator thermostat to match.

Use the cold water setting on your washing machine unless the situation dictates that you do otherwise. As your home and needs to stay warm during the winter, look for other sources of heat loss, such as dusting off your light bulbs and getting a leaky hot-water faucet fixed. Drain your hot water tank every six months for optimal operation and to get rid of any soot or dirt that might’ve found its way into your water.