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Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
These oddly named vampire hacks could save you serious cash on power bills
Tips to save money on power bills: Electricity bills are increasing. Many residents are unknowingly paying extra due to vampire devices. These devices consume power even when off. Common culprits include TVs and chargers. Unplugging devices saves money. It also extends device lifespan. Doing so reduces carbon emissions. Unplugging also improves fire safety. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How Vampire Devices Are Secretly Draining Your Wallet Why Summer Makes Energy Bills Worse How Much Do Vampire Devices Cost You? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Simple Way to Slash Phantom Power Consumption Popular in International Extra Benefits of Unplugging Devices FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Electricity bills are on the rise, and some residents could unknowingly be paying an extra $200 annually because of so-called " vampire devices " quietly sucking up power in the background, as per a energy-consuming vampire devices, also known as phantom loads or standby power, are the stealthy perpetrators of the high electricity bills, as reported by The Sun. Even when turned off or in standby mode, appliances such as laptops, TVs, microwaves, video game consoles, and chargers use power to keep certain features operational, such as clocks, timers, or digital displays, according to the heat during the summer months driving up cooling bills, the typical American electricity bill from June through September will reach a record $784 this year, which is 6.2% more than last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, reported The READ: Biggest redesign in years? iPhone 17 Pro Max could change everything — leaked features spark massive buzz The Energy Department estimates that standby power accounts for about 10% of the energy used in a home, or up to $200 annually for some families, as per the report. Nationwide, the annual cost of vampire energy is estimated at $19 billion, found the Natural Resources Defense Council, according to The best way to reduce the amount of standby power consumed in the home is to unplug electronics and appliances when they are not in use, as per The Sun READ: Trump's ultimatum to Taiwan: 15% tariff only if TSMC buys 49% stake in Intel and invests $400 billion in US Scott Harden, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Schneider Electric , pointed out that "Constant standby current can stress electronics over time," so unplugging idle devices can help to improve the lifespan of them, as reported by The fact, the constant energy draw from standby devices generates around 44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, roughly equal to the emissions of 15 million cars, according to the expert explained that "All electricity drawn from standby consumption contributes to carbon dioxide emissions," and added that vampire devices are responsible for a notable portion of these emissions due to the constant energy they draw, as per The Sun said, "By unplugging unnecessary devices, you shrink your carbon footprint," as quoted in the another benefit of unplugging electronic devices is better fire safety and surge protection, according to The Sun. Harden pointed out that, "Though modern chargers are generally safe, leaving them unattended while plugged in slightly increases potential risks from malfunctions or power surges," as quoted by The Sun.A vampire device is any electronic that uses power even when turned off or in standby laptops, chargers, video game consoles, microwaves, and coffeemakers are common culprits, as per The Sun report.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Economic Times
These oddly named vampire hacks could save you serious cash on power bills
Tips to save money on power bills: Electricity bills are increasing. Many residents are unknowingly paying extra due to vampire devices. These devices consume power even when off. Common culprits include TVs and chargers. Unplugging devices saves money. It also extends device lifespan. Doing so reduces carbon emissions. Unplugging also improves fire safety. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How Vampire Devices Are Secretly Draining Your Wallet Why Summer Makes Energy Bills Worse How Much Do Vampire Devices Cost You? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Simple Way to Slash Phantom Power Consumption Popular in International Extra Benefits of Unplugging Devices FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Electricity bills are on the rise, and some residents could unknowingly be paying an extra $200 annually because of so-called " vampire devices " quietly sucking up power in the background, as per a energy-consuming vampire devices, also known as phantom loads or standby power, are the stealthy perpetrators of the high electricity bills, as reported by The Sun. Even when turned off or in standby mode, appliances such as laptops, TVs, microwaves, video game consoles, and chargers use power to keep certain features operational, such as clocks, timers, or digital displays, according to the heat during the summer months driving up cooling bills, the typical American electricity bill from June through September will reach a record $784 this year, which is 6.2% more than last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, reported The READ: Biggest redesign in years? iPhone 17 Pro Max could change everything — leaked features spark massive buzz The Energy Department estimates that standby power accounts for about 10% of the energy used in a home, or up to $200 annually for some families, as per the report. Nationwide, the annual cost of vampire energy is estimated at $19 billion, found the Natural Resources Defense Council, according to The best way to reduce the amount of standby power consumed in the home is to unplug electronics and appliances when they are not in use, as per The Sun READ: Trump's ultimatum to Taiwan: 15% tariff only if TSMC buys 49% stake in Intel and invests $400 billion in US Scott Harden, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Schneider Electric , pointed out that "Constant standby current can stress electronics over time," so unplugging idle devices can help to improve the lifespan of them, as reported by The fact, the constant energy draw from standby devices generates around 44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, roughly equal to the emissions of 15 million cars, according to the expert explained that "All electricity drawn from standby consumption contributes to carbon dioxide emissions," and added that vampire devices are responsible for a notable portion of these emissions due to the constant energy they draw, as per The Sun said, "By unplugging unnecessary devices, you shrink your carbon footprint," as quoted in the another benefit of unplugging electronic devices is better fire safety and surge protection, according to The Sun. Harden pointed out that, "Though modern chargers are generally safe, leaving them unattended while plugged in slightly increases potential risks from malfunctions or power surges," as quoted by The Sun.A vampire device is any electronic that uses power even when turned off or in standby laptops, chargers, video game consoles, microwaves, and coffeemakers are common culprits, as per The Sun report.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Electricity Prices Are Rising And What You Can Do To Cut Costs
Symbolic light bulb with photo of high-voltage power lines, ascending arrows for design on theme of ... More energy industry, global energy crisis with rise in cost of energy carriers, inflation, energy saving Have you noticed a change in your electric bill lately? The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that 2025 will be the most expensive year of the decade, with the average U.S. household expected to pay at least 6% more than in the previous year, and significantly more for others, depending on location and housing type. Multiple factors at play contribute to their bills becoming unmanageable. The most effective tips for mitigating rising electricity bills include updating your appliances and insulation, as well as unplugging electronics you aren't using. Let's start with the rising cost of natural gas and explore the reasons behind this increase. Natural gas accounts for approximately 40% of the electricity generated in the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, exports of liquefied natural gas have increased to 12.9 billion cubic feet per day, a threefold rise. This means that we have a limited supply of natural gas in our country, which raises its price and, in turn, increases the cost of electricity produced by it. To make matters worse, those exports are expected to double in the next five years and depending on the energy policies we implement in the future, that number could double again. In the graph below, you can see what the EIA is projecting. U.S. LNG Exports The rise in electricity prices cannot be attributed solely to natural gas exports; multiple factors are contributing to this increase. The second factor is rising demand. New data centers and AI are expected to drive this demand, which, according to Rystad, is projected to grow at a rate of 4% annually. To put that in perspective, it is nearly double the rise in demand we experienced from 2000 to 2020. A single data center can use as much electricity as 80,000 homes, and by 2030, we are projected to add as much as 30 GW of electricity demand from data centers in the U.S. That is equivalent to the power generated by 30 nuclear reactors, solely for data centers. Fortunately, most of these data centers will build out some form of electricity generation to assist in powering the centers. In Pryor, Oklahoma, where Google is building a new data center, a new solar array will be built alongside it, and Google has agreed to purchase that power. What is yet to be seen is how the passage of HR1, commonly known as the Big Beautiful Bill, will impact these renewable power installations with data centers. Tax credits for wind and solar projects are being terminated for projects that are not complete by the end of 2027. At a time when electricity demand is growing at historic levels and is expected to continue doing so, we are making it harder to generate that electricity. Infrastructure Matters The most critical aspect of your lights coming on is the infrastructure that carries electricity to homes and businesses across the nation. However, 70% of transmission lines and distribution transformers are 30 years old, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance. These transmission lines are now expected to face a 260% capacity demand increase by 2050 due to the growth of data centers, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. There are two pieces to this. When the infrastructure itself cannot meet demand, prices increase, as it is an essential part of the supply chain. Second, the cost of that new infrastructure is being passed on to us, the customers. According to the Cato Institute, grid costs now comprise up to 50% of your electric bill. In many areas, delivery costs have risen by nearly 70%. In my personal experience reviewing other people's electric bills over the last two years, delivery costs have been the most significant driver of their bill increases. Higher demand for an ageing grid in a specific area can increase bills dramatically. If that weren't enough, grids require digital upgrades for renewable energy, and the assistance for those upgrades is also being eliminated. All of this has resulted in electricity prices rising by over 6% per year since 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which averaged 1.6% during the previous hundred years. Here are some tips to help you save money on your electric bill. · Switch to LED Bulbs · Install a smart thermostat · Seal air leaks · Use Energy Star appliances · Set your AC to 78 degrees. Each degree lower increases cost by 6-8% · Lower the water heater to 120 degrees. · Use cold water for laundry · Unplug items you aren't using. · Leverage of off-peak hours. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by implementing some of these tips according to the Department of Energy. If you would like to maximize your potential savings, consider getting an energy audit done. Many utility companies offer this as a free service, and it could potentially save you up to 30% on your electric bills. If your utility company does not offer this free service, you may find a local professional that could do it for as little as a hundred dollars, just make sure they are accredited. If you are more of a do it yourself type individual you can download DIY energy assessments at
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
How solar attic fans offer relief from soaring energy costs in 2025
Cooling your home this summer will likely cost more than ever. Across the U.S., residential electricity bills are climbing fast, just as forecasters warn of another season of unrelenting heat. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the average American household is expected to pay $784 to stay cool between June and September. That's a record high, up nearly 14% since 2020. For families already stretched thin by inflation, it's one more financial burden stacked on top of rising grocery bills, housing costs, and healthcare expenses. However, rising temperatures alone aren't the only cause for the spike. It's the grid itself. Electricity prices are climbing faster than inflation, fueled by utility investments to upgrade aging infrastructure and offset supply chain volatility. What's more, the cost of transmission and distribution are now outpacing power generation, according to regulatory filings from U.S. utilities, meaning even small increases in usage hit harder at the meter. Meanwhile, extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent and harder to ignore. Especially across states like Texas, Arizona, Florida, and California, where cooling isn't a luxury-it's survival. As temperatures climb, so does demand for air conditioning, pushing already stressed systems to their limits. And the higher the demand, the more households pay for every extra degree of relief. For many households, the question is no longer whether this summer will be hot. It's whether they can afford to stay cool. And with electricity prices projected to keep rising through 2026, the urgency for affordable, energy-smart solutions has never been greater. This is where climate solar attic fans come in. By utilizing technology that tackles heat buildup at the source, they offer a strategic way to reduce cooling needs and ease the load on overstretched HVAC systems. And in 2025, they could be more than a smart upgrade; they may be a financial lifeline. Remington Solar explains how solar attic fans work and how they may help people decrease their energy costs. What Are Solar Attic Fans and How Do They Work? Most homeowners underestimate how much heat and moisture build up in their attic, an often overlooked space. On a scorching summer day, attic temperatures can climb above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. That sweltering air doesn't stay trapped. It radiates downward through the ceiling, forcing your air conditioner to run harder and your energy bills to climb. However, a solar attic fan takes aim at that issue directly. This compact device mounts on your roof and draws all its power from a small solar panel on top. When sunlight hits the panel, it generates electricity to turn the fan's motor. The fan then extracts hot, humid air from the attic, pushing it through existing vents-whether soffit or gable. As this stale air moves out, cooler air enters, keeping the attic cooler and drier. This steady airflow does more than just lower attic temperatures. In many homes, an unvented attic behaves like a giant radiator. However, by reducing attic heat by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the solar fan eases the burden on your HVAC system. Reducing attic heat by this amount can cut air conditioner runtime significantly. Research consistently shows that lowering attic temperatures can reduce the overall cooling load by 10% to 30%. And because solar attic fans are self-powered and activate only during daylight hours (when attics and cooling systems are under the most strain), they avoid wasting electricity and sidestep unexpected energy costs. By shifting the heat battle to your attic, solar attic fans deliver more than just comfort; they bring immediate financial relief. They help your HVAC system work smarter, not harder, while lowering energy usage and reducing monthly bills. And for homeowners in warm climates, they're not just a solution, they're a practical tool for resilience in the face of rising temperatures and energy prices. Why Solar Attic Fans Make Economic Sense in 2025 Beyond lowering attic temperatures, solar attic fans offer broader benefits that impact your home's overall health, your monthly budget, and your long-term financial outlook. One of the most overlooked advantages is moisture control. During colder months, warm indoor air rises and condenses on cooler attic surfaces. That trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and wood rot. As mentioned earlier, consistent attic ventilation not only curbs summer heat, it also regulates humidity year-round. Helping to prevent costly structural damage and ice dams during winter. Another key benefit is energy independence. Because solar attic fans are powered entirely by sunlight, they operate without drawing from the grid. Once installed, they run autonomously, with no increase to your electricity bill. But the real financial punch comes from return on investment. With price tags between $300 and $600 for many units, homeowners can often install them without an electrician. And thanks to the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can recover much of their cost through tax savings. Many home upgrades take many years to recoup costs, but solar attic fans deliver real savings more quickly, especially in warmer states like Florida or Texas. Once that payback period passes, the savings continue. Homeowners often see reduced cooling costs in the hottest months and less wear and tear on HVAC systems. That can mean fewer emergency repair calls and a longer lifespan for expensive equipment. For additional savings, many states and municipalities offer their own rebates. Tools like let you search for local incentives by zip code. To claim federal credits, keep your receipts and consult a tax professional to ensure everything is filed properly. With electricity rates expected to rise again in the third quarter, taking advantage of current incentives could save you hundreds, possibly thousands, over time. The Climate and Equity Connection Beyond dollars and efficiency, solar attic fans now sit at the intersection of two growing national emergencies: climate change and energy inequality. Last year was the hottest on record globally, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reporting a 2.32-degree Fahrenheit rise above the 20th-century average. That marks the 10th consecutive year of record-breaking heat, with each one climbing higher than the last. What was once considered abnormal is now the new baseline. And in the U.S., especially across the South and Southwest, heat isn't just inconvenient anymore. It's deadly. For millions of Americans, the rising cost of cooling is not just a budgeting issue. It's a health risk. Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, summed up the crisis plainly: "Without access to affordable cooling, many will be at risk of heat stroke and other health impacts associated with rising temperatures." The statistics are sobering. More than 21 million households are currently behind on their utility bills, with energy debt rising sharply over the past year. At the same time, summer temperatures are intensifying. In 2023, heat-related deaths in the U.S. more than doubled compared to 2020, according to a study published in JAMA. These effects are not spread evenly. In hotter states like Texas, Arizona, and Florida, air conditioning isn't optional. It's life support. Yet the households most vulnerable to extreme heat-retirees on fixed incomes, families below the poverty line, individuals with chronic health conditions-are often the least equipped to handle the rising costs. On average, low-income households spend 8.6% of their income on energy. That's nearly three times the percentage spent by higher-income groups. Making matters worse, many of these homes are older and poorly ventilated. That allows attic heat to accumulate and seep into living spaces, putting extra strain on already aging air conditioning systems. The result is a cycle that's hard to break: The hotter the attic gets, the harder the AC works, and the higher the bills climb. This is where solar attic fans can shift the equation. By passively reducing attic temperatures, these fans lower the burden on cooling systems without adding anything to the monthly utility bill. For homes that can't afford full-scale solar installations or major HVAC upgrades, this small intervention can offer real, measurable relief. Energy economist Sarah Chavez of the American Council for an Energy‑Efficient Economy puts it plainly: "These fans may not be glamorous but they offer immediate relief for families most affected by energy inflation." Unlike many green technologies, solar attic fans don't require large upfront investments, loans, or complicated installation. With the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit in place, they remain one of the few energy-saving upgrades accessible to lower- and middle-income households. That kind of accessibility matters. Especially in regions where the cost of cooling is outpacing wages, and where federal assistance programs are underfunded and overextended. Solar attic fans stand out as one of the few solutions that offer meaningful impact without red tape. No waiting lists, no contractors, no decades-long payback. Just sunlight, airflow, and a need to stay cool. Why Homeowners Should Act Now While the results speak for themselves, the real question is whether homeowners will act in time, before the next heat wave tightens its grip. Summer 2025 is already being projected as another scorcher. NOAA's long-range seasonal outlook warns of continued above-average temperatures across much of the southern U.S., with prolonged heat waves likely to begin earlier and stretch deeper into the fall. For families already straining under rising energy bills, waiting means more money lost and more discomfort endured. That urgency is compounded by limited-time incentives. The federal government currently offers a 30% tax credit on qualified solar installations, including solar attic fans, now through 2032. That's a meaningful offset for anyone weighing the upfront cost of installation against long-term savings. It also lowers the barrier for families who've been priced out of other home energy upgrades. But incentives won't wait for the heatwave to arrive. And as demand spikes, local availability and contractor bandwidth could narrow. Many solar installers book up fast once the season hits its peak, especially across high-heat markets like Arizona, Texas, and Southern California. The earlier homeowners assess their eligibility, the better positioned they'll be to take advantage. For households on fixed incomes, retirees, or those simply trying to stretch every dollar, delaying means absorbing another summer of inflated bills and stifling attic heat. And for those thinking long-term-about property value, sustainability, and climate resilience-a solar attic fan is a low-cost, high-return move that's well within reach. Now is the time to check eligibility, talk to a qualified installer in your area, and take a step that will pay off not just in comfort, but in safety and peace of mind. Because while no one can stop the heat, there are still choices that make living with it a lot more affordable and comfortable. This story was produced by Remington Solar and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Entrepreneur
16-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Electric Bill Prices Rising, Are AI Data Centers to Blame?
Is your electric bill higher than normal? Sure, it's summer in the U.S., and a higher bill due to air conditioning costs can be expected. In fact, CBS reports that electricity prices have risen 4.5% in the last year, according to recent data from the Labor Department. But what about a higher bill due to AI? It's happening to electric customers across the country, even if they've never asked a chatbot a question. Related: Saying 'Please' and 'Thank You' to ChatGPT Costs OpenAI 'Tens of Millions of Dollars' Customers in New Jersey, for example, are fuming over the news that their electric bills could surge up to 20% this summer due to data centers, per a new report in the local Patch outlet. But the entire U.S. could soon be affected. Floodlight reports that the way electric companies currently set rates won't work with the unprecedented demand Big Tech has with AI, and highlights a report from Harvard's Electricity Law Initiative that said, unless the current system changes, U.S. consumers will be the ones who pay "billions of dollars" for it. Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, told CBS MoneyWatch the same — that the American taxpayers will be the ones footing the bill — not the AI companies. "As utilities race to meet skyrocketing demand from AI and cloud computing, they're building new infrastructure and raising rates, often without transparency or public input," Wolfe said. "That means higher electricity bills for everyday households, while tech companies benefit from sweetheart deals behind closed doors." Related: Excess Energy from AI Servers Is Heating the Pool at the 2024 Olympic Games — Here's How Digital automation company, Schneider Electric, found that electricity demand will increase at least 16% in the U.S. by 2029 due to data centers. This is only expected to grow as the number of data centers also grows (it already doubled in the U.S. between 2021 and 2024, per a report from Environment America). And the number is increasing with generative AI and other technological advances. Meanwhile, the rise in electricity needs could result in "lower system stability," according to a recent report by the North American Electric Reliability Corp., and a grid operator in 13 states and Washington, D.C., PJM, said data center demand could lead to "capacity shortages" in its 2025 forecast.
