Shoppers rush to buy bargain energy-saving appliance at Walmart – and fans say they’re ‘amazing’... - The US Sun
Shoppers rush to buy bargain energy-saving appliance at Walmart - and fans say they're 'amazing' | The US Sun
Shoppers rush to buy bargain energy-saving appliance at Walmart – and fans say they’re ‘amazing’
AS energy bills are rising nearly everywhere, one tiny appliance at Walmart could have a huge impact.
The energy relief and savings come from a tiny device called a smart plug.
Smart plugs are a teeny but powerful option that allows households to control their power usage.
Shoppers can even find the plugs from Walmart anywhere from $10 to $25.
These plugs will let you create customized schedules for many of your devices putting the power back into your hands.
Users will also be able to track energy use and the cost of use for whichever device is using the plug-in, in real-time.
Most importantly, the smart plugs will restrict and prevent vampire energy from your devices while they’re turned off.
Vampire energy is especially prevalent in electronics with accessories like TVs and computers.
TVs can tack on $10 a year when it's not in use, but if you add gaming systems, speakers, and cable boxes, that amount goes up to $40 annually.
SCORING THE SMART PLUG
For those looking to save money as well as energy, an affordable option would be the iHome Smart Plug.
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This plug is only $11 from Walmart and is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Wi-Fi is built into the smart plug so appliances like coffee makers or lamps can be added to a schedule.
For those who need more in their homes, you might want to consider the Jomarto brand
Shoppers can buy the two-pack from Walmart for $22 and comes with many of the same features as most.
That amounts to $11 each.
However, this one has an energy monitoring system so buyers can check their usage.
One user wrote a review on the Walmart website wrote: "These are amazing. They fit my needs perfectly. The timer function is so awesome! Must have. The app allows for easy access from basically anywhere you have a wifi or mobile data connection to your phone."
Another five-star reviewer said: "This is a great plug and just bought a second one. You are able [to] group your plugs, name them, etc. You can set a timer for when you want the light to be on/off."
WHAT IS VAMPIRE ENERGY?
Electronics or appliances have what's called "vampire energy" or "phantom loads," which can tack hundreds of dollars onto your bill.
This is because if appliances are plugged in but turned off, they still use energy.
Appliances including televisions, lamps, chargers, or computers tend to be big culprits.
According to a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Americans spend nearly $19billion a year on inactive devices.
The study found that households lose up to $165 per year when all they need to do is unplug.
For example, computers typically have three modes: idle, asleep, or off.
When a computer is idle, it may cost you an extra $82.21 per year, according to data provided by SaveOnEnergy.
If the device is on asleep, users could spend $23.48.
And if the computer is off, households will spend roughly $3 a year.
By properly turning off your computer and monitor, and keeping your printer unplugged, you may save around $25 per year.
Americans may be able to get up to $2,400 in utility relief.
Plus, vampire appliances may be costing you $180 per year.