Green Tips: Phantom Loads
If you have a water faucet that is constantly running, you would probably turn it off (or repair it if necessary). But, what about an “Electrical Leak?” How many devices are plugged in right now, that are drawing electricity, but giving you no benefit? Do you have anything like a laptop computer with an in-line transformer? If so, you are “leaking” electricity through the transformer (the little black box that plugs into the wall or is halfway down the cord.) This is known as a Phantom Load: pulling power from the utility company without benefit to you. Where else might you be leaking electricity? I recently attached my laptop charger to a meter and found that it uses $15 worth of electricity per year when it is NOT attached to my computer.
Did you realize that your TV, VCR, DVD, Stereo, or any other items that can be switched on with a remote are always using power? Most entertainment centers when "OFF" are using more power than a refrigerator. To be able to capture the signal from the remote, they use power to constantly search for that signal. This is also known as Standby Mode. So, what do you do? Plug your entertainment center items and any charger with a transformer into a power strip with a switch, and turn them off when not in use—or simply unplug them when they are not being used. You probably don’t need to have them plugged in 24/7. Survey your home and what you have plugged in. Think about what uses power even when you are not using it. Also, think about Phantom Loads when you are purchasing items. Does your coffee maker really need to have a clock that is always on? Not only will you help conserve energy, but you’ll save yourself money.
One of the largest energy wasters that people have is a second refrigerator in the garage. It seemed to make sense when you bought the new one to move the old one to the garage for additional cold storage. However, an old refrigerator is probably the highest energy user in your home. If you have two, see if you can’t get by with just one—and save yourself a lot of money by doing so. When you do buy a new one, or any new appliance, look for the ones with Energy Star labels. For more information visit www.energystar.gov.
Electrical leaks are not as easy to see as plumbing leaks, but you will glad you plugged them (usually by unplugging something.) PG&E has recently run an ad that says that if all Californians eliminated their Phantom Loads, it would make the equivalent difference of taking 8 ½ million cars off the road. Together we can make a difference. Thanks for your help.
If you have a water faucet that is constantly running, you would probably turn it off (or repair it if necessary). But, what about an “Electrical Leak?” How many devices are plugged in right now, that are drawing electricity, but giving you no benefit? Do you have anything like a laptop computer with an in-line transformer? If so, you are “leaking” electricity through the transformer (the little black box that plugs into the wall or is halfway down the cord.) This is known as a Phantom Load: pulling power from the utility company without benefit to you. Where else might you be leaking electricity? I recently attached my laptop charger to a meter and found that it uses $15 worth of electricity per year when it is NOT attached to my computer.
Did you realize that your TV, VCR, DVD, Stereo, or any other items that can be switched on with a remote are always using power? Most entertainment centers when "OFF" are using more power than a refrigerator. To be able to capture the signal from the remote, they use power to constantly search for that signal. This is also known as Standby Mode. So, what do you do? Plug your entertainment center items and any charger with a transformer into a power strip with a switch, and turn them off when not in use—or simply unplug them when they are not being used. You probably don’t need to have them plugged in 24/7. Survey your home and what you have plugged in. Think about what uses power even when you are not using it. Also, think about Phantom Loads when you are purchasing items. Does your coffee maker really need to have a clock that is always on? Not only will you help conserve energy, but you’ll save yourself money.
One of the largest energy wasters that people have is a second refrigerator in the garage. It seemed to make sense when you bought the new one to move the old one to the garage for additional cold storage. However, an old refrigerator is probably the highest energy user in your home. If you have two, see if you can’t get by with just one—and save yourself a lot of money by doing so. When you do buy a new one, or any new appliance, look for the ones with Energy Star labels. For more information visit www.energystar.gov.
Electrical leaks are not as easy to see as plumbing leaks, but you will glad you plugged them (usually by unplugging something.) PG&E has recently run an ad that says that if all Californians eliminated their Phantom Loads, it would make the equivalent difference of taking 8 ½ million cars off the road. Together we can make a difference. Thanks for your help.