A new survey conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) finds consumers want energy efficient technology to save them money. In fact, it’s the #1 attribute consumers look for when purchasing new appliances. (UL is an independent certification organization that has been testing and creating standards for electronics and other products for over a century.)

A recent Consumer Electronics Association study  corroborates this data but goes even further by indicating that consumers believe energy efficient electronics will save them money. And they’re right - energy efficient electronics will reduce the electricity that is used; thus, reducing the cost to operate that specific electronic.

And the government is well aware of this data. According to Steven Chu, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, ”Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month” Cash for Appliances is a government program to replace old inefficient appliances with more efficient Energy Star approved ones. Learn more about how to take advantage of appliance rebates.

Much like the Universal Charging Solution, an industry-wide effort led by the GSMA to standardize cell phone chargers, the program is well intended and will save money, energy and help reduce harmful CO2; BUT, Cash for Appliances still misses the larger picture of eliminating wasted energy that occurs when the appliance is plugged in but not in use or serving its primary function.

Vampire Energy Loss, often times called Vampire or Standby Power, is a parasitic blip suffered by most electronic devices – whether it’s a cell phone charger, microwave, laptop, washer or flat screen. If they are left plugged in and are electronic, then they most likely suck electricity when they are not being used. Through Energy Star, vampire power is slightly reduced in most products but not eliminated. If the aim is to be truly energy efficient, then vampire energy loss must be annihilated. The technology exists and should be utilized more effectively.