What is Phantom Power and How Does it Affect Your Energy Usage?

   Standby power, also know as phantom power, vampire power, standby current or leaking electricity, refers to the electric power consumed by electronic appliances while they are switched off or in standby mode. You know you need to turn these appliances and electronics off to save energy, but did you know that once you turn them off, they are still using electricity? That’s right – many items in your home continue to draw energy even after they are shut down – items like your computer and its peripherals, your television, stereo, microwave and stove. These items go into standby mode once switched off and create what’s known as a “phantom load” which can add up to 8% to 15% of your total electricity bill.

What Type of Appliances Use Phantom Power?

The ever-increasing awareness of global warming has thrust energy efficiency to the forefront of public opinion. The wasted standby power of household electronic devices is typically small, but the sum of all such devices within the household becomes significant. Standby power makes up a portion of a homes' rising miscellaneous electric load, which also includes small appliances, cell phone chargers, computer peripherals, security systems, and many other small power draws. Standby power is typically 10 to 15 watts per device, and occasionally more like in the cases of most TV's. For any single appliance the load is never very large, however when factored over all of the appliance can come to billions of watts. In fact some studies have suggested that the total phantom load caused by the United States alone.... would provide enough power to handle the entire electric needs of Vietnam, Peru, and Greece. 
   

   The US Department of Energy recently stated that "Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off" 
       
   Can you imagine that? 75% of the power your TV consumes is when it is turn off and your not even getting to enjoy it? We'll the good news is that the ZeroEnergy Team has literally dozens of products that are self automated that can completely eliminate the "phantom" power in your home with no inconvenience to your or your family. These products range from automatic smart strips that can automatically turn off your peripherals the second you turn off your computer or TV. Just be sure to ask your local ZeroEnergy Team member to design a custom plan that will work with your household and lifestyle.