Learn simple, budget-friendly ways to reduce phantom load and shrink your carbon footprint.

Saving electricity is more than just saving money on utilities; it also lessens your carbon footprint and helps the planet. 

Phantom Load

The phenomenon called “phantom load” discusses how some electronics continue to draw power even when turned off. 

Most common offenders are:

• Entertainment Devices: DVR’s gaming consoles, TV’s
• Office Equipment: computers, printers, and scanners
• Small Appliances: microwaves, coffee makers, toasters
• Chargers: for your phone, laptop, power tools
• Other: modems, routers, security systems

While not significant individually, together they add up. 

Power of Power Strips

Power strips offer a practical solution to phantom loads

• Convenient Control: You can plug several offenders into one strip. Just switch the strip off when they are no longer being used. 
• Surge Protection: Protects your electronics from power surges, prolonging their lifespan. 
• Smart Power Strips: These automatically turn off power to devices that enter standby mode. Standby power can account for 5-10% of residential use. (LINK) That’s almost $100.00 a year!

Energy Star

Energy Star-certified appliances can use 10-50% less energy. These appliances have features like:

• Low power standby modes
• High-efficiency electrical components
• Auto-power down functions
• LED displays
• Remote-ready modes that use ultra-low wattage. 

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs give you the ability to control the flow of electricity to devices plugged into it. You get features like

• Remote shut off
• Scheduling
• Timers and triggers
• Some even check your energy usage so you can narrow down culprits

Extra Phantom Load Fixes

Here are a few extra tips

• Unplug devices when not in use
• Allow sleep modes on electronics
• Get a home energy audit done
• Review your electricity bill to track patterns

Conserving electricity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Make adjustments that suit your lifestyle. Small changes add up.