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Fast Facts
Top 10 Products that use Standby Power
- Room Air Conditioner
- Answering Machines
- Clock Radios
- Clothes Washer
- Cordless Phones
- Desk Computer
- Fax Machine
- Laptop Computers
- Microwave Ovens
- Computer Speakers
- Video Game Consoles
Combating Phantom Power Reduces Energy and Saves You Money
The shocking facts behind phantom power … Electronic devices left plugged in, even when turned off, still use a significant amount of power. It’s called phantom power, and it's costing you money. It's also costing our planet even more with wasteful carbon emissions.
According to a new survey, three of every four Ontario residents are unaware of this invisible user that can account for up to 15 percent of your annual home electricity consumption.
For the average Ontario household, which uses about 1,000 kilowatt-hours of power a month, phantom power can cost up to $100 a year.
To Curb Phantom Power
The most effective way to eliminate standby power loss is to unplug your electronics when they are not in use. But there is a lot more you can do!
- For electronics/appliances that you do not unplug, use a surge protector or power bar with multiple outlets and switch off the entire strip when you are not using it. Using a power bar or suppression strip is especially useful if you are switching off several devices that are often used together such as a PC, a monitor and a printer.
- "Smart strips" automatically detect changes in electricity current, and are excellent devices to automate powering on and off multiple devices.
- Consider buying energy-saving devices that offer a real or hard "off" switch which eliminate standby power.
- Take advantage of "soft off switches" or ‘computer silent modes’, but remember, even in this case, the devices are drawing phantom power.
- Consider timers to turn off standby power to devices that are unused on a regular basis.
- Replace battery-powered devices, such as cordless phones or rechargeable razors, with corded alternatives.
- Make sure that the switch for your surge protector or power bar is in a position where it can easily be turned on and off.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label whenever you buy new electronics or appliances. ENERGY STAR identifies the most energy efficient products, which reduce energy use even in standby mode.
- Conduct your own home energy inspection, probing for phantom power culprits, taking the opportunity to reassess your appliance use.
