Some of the least efficient electric appliances are those that continue to use "standby" energy when you are not using the them. These include some televisions, dvd players, cell phone chargers, stereos, and kitchen appliances.
While they may not use huge amounts of energy, the fact that they continually use energy is an issue.
When choosing new appliances, be certain to look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. This gives an added assurance that the item you are purchasing is one of the most energy efficient available.
Before considering which are the least efficient, think about those appliances that you own and think about your behaviors. There are a number of appliances that are purchased strictly for convenience purposes that could be replaced with manual models. For example, an electric can opener can be replaced with a manual can opener, an electric food chopper with a sharp knife. There may be times when an electric appliance is in fact needed (e.g. when a significant amount of work needs to be completed, or if a disability, or physical condition is present).
Find more information about "vampire," or "standby" energy, in our related FAQs, and from ENERGY STAR.
