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STOP THIEVES THAT COST YOU MONEY

Many electronic devices make life easier and more entertaining, but draw power even if they're turned off. Lost electricity has many names: vampire power, phantom load or standby power.

Standby power consumption accounts for about 8 percent of U.S. household electricity consumption, meaning these thieves steal about 5110 a year from consumers.

But, you can cuff these thieves:

Know them. Common power thieves are small transformer adapters like cell phone chargers.Also, devices like LCD TVs, window air conditioners, computers and gaming systems use power even when turned off. Any electronic-powered equipment with a power indicator (i.e. light or LED)that glows when it is OFF, is a potential thief.

Stop them. Unplug alarm clocks and TVs in guest rooms, computer monitors, chargers,printers, scanners and speakers when they are not in use.

Call in reinforcements. Plug clustered electronics into a power strip so you can turn them all off with one switch. Most major retailers carry power strips for 55 to 525.

Identify the bad guys with a Kill-A-Watt— Meter. Available at drugstores and electronics retailers for around 520, these devices assess consumption of electronics and appliances.

Buy smart. Look for the Energy Star label. These products often use less standby energy because they're designed to be more energy efficient. Access the Energy Star Web site at http://www.energystar.gov/.