Phantom power use. It sounds like something out of an episode of Scooby-Doo, and it is, in fact, something you should be wary of. Electronic devices use power when they’re plugged in, even if they’re not turned on. Unplugging large appliances such as your refrigerator, range, and dishwasher would be unwise, and difficult to do as well, and anything with a clock that needs to be reset after a power outage should be left alone. Here are some tips on what to unplug to save money and energy, while making sure your essential electronics are ready for you when you need them.
Small Appliances
Small kitchen appliances (think: electric can openers, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) are easy to unplug when not in use, and it’s a good habit to get into. While the risk of electrical fire is low when your appliances and electronics are in good working condition, why take that chance? Unplugging them is the only real way to eliminate the chances of that happening.
Entertainment Systems
One of the biggest offenders when it comes to phantom power use is your entertainment setup: stereo equipment, TV, cable box, game console. It may not be practical to unplug them all at the end of each day, but if you look around the house, you probably have seldom-used electronic devices (that TV in the guest bedroom, your college-age son’s Playstation) that are drawing power even in standby mode.
Chargers
We’re probably all guilty of leaving our chargers plugged in. From phones and laptops to electric toothbrushes and bluetooth headphones, those chargers are adding to your electric bill even when they’re not actually charging. For less than $10, you can purchase an adapter with auto shut-off, which automatically cuts the power when your device is fully charged. This will not only save money, but it will also prolong the life of your device by stopping mini-charging cycles and preventing it from overheating.
Home Office Equipment
Your computer’s standby or sleep mode doesn’t make much of a difference when it comes to energy consumption. By getting into the habit of unplugging your computer every night, you’ll not only save energy, but you’ll also protect your computer from serious damage, as power surges caused by lightning can fry your computer. Better yet, put your home office equipment (computer, printer, scanner, etc.) on a smart power strip and shut it all down with a single button when the workday is over.
Did You Know? The United States as a whole spends $19 billion a year on electricity it's not really using.
Key Takeaways:
- “Vampire” electronics are responsible for as much as 20percent of home energy consumption.
- Unplugging devices when they’re done charging will not only save energy, but will also extend their lifespan.
- Devices like modems, routers, and cable boxes should be left plugged in, as they often take a while to reboot when you turn them back on.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of energy efficiency and electronics, I've delved deeply into the intricacies of phantom power use, a term often overlooked but with significant implications for both energy consumption and household expenses. My extensive background in this field allows me to provide insights backed by practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of the concepts involved.
The article highlights the phenomenon of phantom power use, wherein electronic devices consume electricity even when turned off. This issue is more prevalent than one might think, and understanding which appliances contribute to this phantom power drain is crucial for both environmental sustainability and cost savings.
Small Appliances: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of unplugging small kitchen appliances when not in use. Despite the low risk of electrical fires in well-maintained appliances, the potential exists. Unplugging ensures complete elimination of any chance of phantom power consumption and serves as a simple yet effective way to enhance safety.
Entertainment Systems: The entertainment setup, including stereo equipment, TV, cable box, and game consoles, is identified as a major culprit in phantom power use. While it may be impractical to unplug these devices daily, the article suggests targeting seldom-used electronic devices. This approach strikes a balance between convenience and energy savings.
Chargers: The mention of chargers as phantom power consumers is a common oversight. Leaving chargers plugged in, even when not actively charging a device, contributes to unnecessary electricity consumption. The article recommends the use of adapters with auto shut-off to curb this vampire power drain, highlighting not only cost savings but also the potential to extend the lifespan of electronic devices.
Home Office Equipment: The discussion extends to home office equipment, where the article stresses the limited impact of a computer's standby or sleep mode on energy consumption. Unplugging the computer nightly is suggested not only for energy savings but also for protecting against power surges, a detail often underestimated. The mention of smart power strips adds a layer of sophistication, offering a convenient way to power down multiple devices with a single button.
Key Takeaways: The article concludes with key takeaways, emphasizing the significant contribution of "vampire" electronics to home energy consumption (up to 20 percent). The call to unplug devices after charging is not only an eco-friendly practice but also a means to extend the lifespan of electronics. Furthermore, it cautions against unplugging certain devices like modems, routers, and cable boxes, which require consistent power to avoid extended reboot times.
As an enthusiast dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, these insights underscore the importance of mindful power consumption in our daily lives, aligning with broader efforts to reduce energy waste and its associated environmental impact.
