Phantom Load
Phantom load is the unintentional siphoning of electricity by electronics, even when they are shut off.
Items most likely to draw phantom load include those that:
- Use or require remote controls
- Have digital displays or clocks
- Use power cords with boxes and lights. These power supplies usually stay on after the electronic device is off.
Common culprits include:
- Cell phone chargers, digital picture frames and coffee pot clocks
- Laptops and large screen televisions
- DVD players, video game systems and other home theater components
Eliminating wasteful draws on electricity can have a big impact:
- Devices that draw around 20 watts in stand-by mode may add up to a couple of dollars a month to your electric bill1
- Phantom loads cost the average U.S. household $100 per year1
- Phantom loads equate to almost 10% of residential electricity use2
- A typical American home has about forty products constantly drawing power2
Combating phantom load is easy:
- Unplug chargers, computers, monitors, printers and other devices when not in use
- Use smart strips that control which devices can draw power directly from the strip
- Replace old products with Energy Star® qualified products that use less standby power