Feb 15 2009
Are Phantoms Haunting Your Home?
If your like me … you may have not heard of the term “phantom load.” And even worse - You may have not realized phantom loads can cost you money 24 hours a day.
A phantom load is the energy consumed by a device when the power is off. For example when you turn off your television there is still a small amount of power being drawn by the television. This wasted energy by itself is small. But when combined with all of the other devices in your home - IT BECOMES SIGNIFICANT.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports 75% of the electricity that powers home electronics is consumed while the devices are turned off.
That’s crazy …
Crazy wasteful in energy resources.
Crazy wasteful in money to pay for those wasted energy resources.
So … how do we stop these phantom loads from their money-grubbing and wasteful ways?
An easy start is by unplugging appliances and devices that are not in use. Small items like cell phones, battery chargers, and coffee makers are usually plugged into an easily accessible outlet. So it would be easy to keep these items unplugged when not in use or when fully charged.
An alternative method would be to plug multiple devices into a power strip with an on/off switch - And turn the power strip off after you power off the device. There are also more advanced power strips, called Smart Strips, that will automatically disconnect power to computer peripherals such as printers, scanners, and fax machines when those devices have been turned off or are not in use.
On average, a household could see up to $120 in electricity savings annually if they unplug electrical devices when not in use.
Hey …
In the old days that might not sound like much savings. But we all know that now the days are all about finding ways to stretch a buck. Plus, it’s really good karma to conserve energy. Sort of a win/win situation!
Peace & Love,
dawn @ iowahippiechick
Photo Credit: Cody
personal finance
Dang. That pisses me off. I’m gonna have to check this out. I’ve got a coffee pot with a timer and computers ad TVs and DVD players and tons of stuff running on power. And a VERY high power bill. Thanks for the heads up.
I mentioned FeedRice and linked back to your blog today. I also added you to my Blogroll.
Take care.
I heard about that on Oprah. It’s crazy. I know I need to check everything around here.
BTW, your blog is the 7th today.com blog I’ve run across today that didn’t have the entrecard drop box. I wonder if the problem is with viewing it on my end or if something else is going on.
I’ve been leaving this message for everyone. I’m really getting worried about it now.
Davida
It frightens me how much stuff we have that falls into the “phantom” category…thanks for the reminder!!
This is really good information. It is truly amazing how many things waste energy which we never even think about.
Thanks for all the comments -
They are greatly appreciated!