20
I was looking at my power bill and saw the number for phantom load
My electric bill was a bit high this month, so I got one of those plug-in power meters from the hardware store to check a few things. I tested my TV, computer, and game console when they were 'off' but still plugged in. I was shocked to see they were still pulling about 15 watts total, just sitting there. Over a month, that little bit adds up to a few bucks for doing nothing. It made me think about all the chargers and small transformers left in outlets around the house. I'm going to put a few things on a switched power strip now. Do you guys have any other simple tips for cutting down on this kind of waste in a home?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
verap5210d ago
Ever check how much those "smart" appliances are costing you when they're just sitting there?
7
wendy_park7610d ago
That "phantom load" thing is a perfect example of how everything is built to be slightly on now. Like @verap52 said, it's the "smart" stuff too. My coffee maker has a clock, the microwave has a display, and the internet router never sleeps. It feels like we're paying a small monthly fee just for the right to have a bunch of tiny lights glowing in the dark. I unplug the toaster now because that red power button was basically a tiny billboard saying 'I'm using your money'.
0