Electronics
Our world has become more and more technical. We rely on electronic
gadgets in our everyday life – from the "necessities" such as computers
and cell phones to entertainment electronics such as DVRs and gaming
systems. Keep these wonders of technology from being energy bandits in
your life.
Energy Bandits
Energy
Vampires. Idle Current. Phantom Loads. Energy Bandits. Call them what
you want, but a good amount of your electricity is being used even while
your appliances and electronics are turned off.
Phantom loads are basically the appliances and electronics in your home
that consume electricity even when they are powered off. In the typical
household, these phantom loads can waste a considerable amount of
electricity – up to six percent.
OFF doesn’t always mean OFF: thus a good amount of energy is being
wasted by phantom loads. For individuals, the cost of phantom loads may
add between $5 and $20 to their monthly electric bill.
Examples of phantom loads are the clock on a coffee maker, video
recorders on standby, computers and television instant-on features.
How
to tackle phantom loads:
1. Simply unplug appliances and
electronics when they are not in use.
2. Purchase a “smart” power strip that cuts power to devices when they
are turned off.
3. Find and purchase ENERGY STAR appliances and electronics.