You probably turn off unnecessary appliances and lights to save money and lower energy usage. Leaving devices on wastes electricity, but shutting them off isn’t always enough. Modern electronics can continue to draw electricity while off, and your entertainment center and kitchen are big offenders.
What Is a Phantom Load?
A variety of electronic devices continue to use energy when they’re off. A phantom load is when an appliance consumes electricity while off but still plugged into an outlet. Modern appliances provide you with conveniences but waste energy and money without you noticing. Electronics consume about 75% of their electricity while the devices are off.
Your Entertainment Center
The various electronic devices in your entertainment center are some of the biggest offenders of phantom loads. Modern LED-lit televisions use less electricity but continue to use power when off. Televisions use energy to remember the time, language preferences, and channel line-ups. Video game consoles, DVD players, DVRs, and cable boxes also consume energy when off. Almost all types of stereos use electricity when not in use as well.
Your Office Equipment
Most of the electrical devices in your office continue to use power when not in use. Some common examples include power strips, monitors, and printers. A computer or laptop plugged in all night continues to waste electricity. Even when off, a computer’s power cord can use a significant amount of energy overnight. Leaving your phone plugged in overnight will continue to draw power even when fully charged. Lamps will continue to use electricity until unplugged.
Your Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are sources of phantom loads but don’t use much electricity on their own. Mixers, toasters, and smart speakers can add to your electric bill. Microwaves and coffee makers tend to use a bit more electricity because of the lights and digital displays.
How to Reduce the Phantom Load of Your Devices?
The best way to stop phantom loads is to unplug all appliances and electronics you aren’t using in Memphis, TN. Unplugging all appliances isn’t convenient with the number of electronics households have; some electronics need to stay on standby to work. However, unplug as many electronics as you can to save yourself some money.
There are a few ways to unplug your electronics and appliances easier:
- Group appliances and electronics on a power strip that you turn on or off.
- Unplug lamps and put computers into sleep mode instead of using the screen saver.
- Turn off your computer if you’ll be away for more than two hours.
- Unplug battery chargers after fully charging and use smart strips.
You’re losing a lot of electricity by leaving your electronics and appliances plugged in. Unplugging many of your electronics and appliances adds up and saves you money. Our electricians can inspect your home and show you where smart strips would work best. We can also provide surge protection and generator installation services to help you prepare for the heavy storms that can hit Memphis. Call us at Rush Electric for an appointment today.
