How to Reduce Your Phantom Load
A phantom load is when appliances and electrical devices draw power when switched off. These devices can add up to 15 percent to your household electric bill. This means that if your electric bill is $150 a month, you could save up to $22 a month by reducing the phantom load. This isn't a huge difference, but it adds up. By the end of a year, you've saved $264. For higher electric bills, the savings are even greater. Try reducing the phantom load in a home, and see the difference it makes in your electric bill.
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Instructions
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Go from room to room in your home, and unplug all electrical devices that you use only on occasion or not at all. For example, DVD players, CD players, TVs, video games and coffee makers all draw power. Any electrical device with a lit panel draws power when not in use.
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Unplug any battery chargers when not in use. Cell phone chargers, camera chargers, laptops and rechargeable electric shavers draw power constantly. Even if the cell phone or camera is detached from the charger, the charger adaptor draws power. If you touch the back side of the charger adapter with your fingers, it feels warm to the touch. It's warm because it is drawing power. Each of these chargers draws up to 10 watts of power constantly.
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Plug in multi-plug power strips that have an on/off switch at each plug in. Turn the power strip off when it isn't in use; turn it on only when you need it. Flipping one switch is easier than unplugging each individual item. This saves you time and effort.
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Put timers on electrical devices that you want working at certain times of the day. Follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with the timer, and set the times when you want items turning on and off. Plug the power cord into the timer, and plug the timer into the wall outlet. The timer turns off all power to the electrical device when it is off. This saves you from worrying about plugging and unplugging the device. Plug a multi-plug power strip into the timer if you want multiple devices coming on at the same time.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy multi-plug power strips with on/off switches without power light indicators. Indicator lights draw power even when the power is off.
Choose Energy Star appliances and electronic devices. These appliances and devices draw as little as one watt of power during their stand-by mode or off cycle.
References
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