Did you know phantom energy users can account for up to 5-10%* of residential electricity usage? It’s true, these energy drains may be invisible but the impact they have on our wallets is very real.

As we get into the spirit of the spooky season, there's one thing we shouldn’t be afraid of: finding clever ways to save on energy usage at home. Within the walls of our homes lie unseen energy drains known as phantom energy users, quietly consuming electricity even when our devices appear to be turned off.

Unmasking the Culprits:

Energy-sucking culprits, also referred to as standby power or ghost loads, maintain a constant power draw due to LED lights or digital displays that remain ready for instant use:

1. Coffee Makers
2. Phone Charging
3. Laptop Chargers
4. Entertainment Systems
5. Printers and Scanners

What can you do?

Unplug or use power strips and smart devices: The simplest and most effective solution is to unplug devices when they're not in use. Alternatively, using power strips and turning them off when not needed can disconnect power to multiple devices simultaneously. Investing in smart power strips or outlets can allow you to automatically cut off power to devices based on schedules or inactivity.

Choose energy-efficient devices: Opt for Energy Star-certified products when purchasing new appliances and electronic devices. These devices are designed to consume less power in standby mode and are more energy-efficient overall.

Conduct an energy audit: Consider using our free Energy Manager. This all-in-one tool allows you to see exactly how you’re using energy, analyze that usage and experiment with different models that will calculate your potential savings. Learn how to unmask energy vampires so you use less and save more.

Educate and involve family members: Raise awareness about the impact of phantom energy users and encourage everyone in the household to develop a habit of turning off devices and unplugging chargers.

^{*Minos, S. (2022, February 9). 3 Easy Tips to Reduce Your Standby Power Loads. Energy.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/3-easy-tips-reduce-your-standby-power-loads}