HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy Efficiency Phantom Loads Handout Renewable Energy Alaska Project 2010The great news is that eliminating phantom loads is easy and inexpensive (or even free)!
First, try to be aware of every appliance in your home that is plugged in. Does that appliance need to
always be plugged in? If you only use the coffee maker occasionally or have an alarm clock in the guest
room, try unplugging them when not in use.
For devices that you use regularly like TVs, stereos, DVD players, video gaming systems, and computers,
using power strips is a convenient way to eliminate phantom loads. Power strips allow for several appliances
to be plugged into the same outlet. When not in use, switch off the power strip and completely eliminate the
associated phantom loads.
There are a variety of types of power strips available. Power strips oftentimes act as surge protectors as
well. Using a power strip that does not have surge protection can still eliminate phantom loads but will not
protect your appliances against power surges that can damage sensitive electronics (TVs, Computers, etc.).
Selecting a power strip surge protector that can handle up to 1,000 joules and 40,000 amperes will protect
your equipment against most surges from large appliances and from the grid. Investing in a power strip
with this amount of protection will increase the life of the surge protector and better protect your equipment.
To protect your sensitive equipment from lightening, consider either unplugging appliances in large storms
or investing in a whole-house surge protector ($200 – $1,000).
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Phantom loads occur when an electrical appliance consumes electricity even though the device is turned
“off.” Seemingly insignicant amounts of energy that are ALWAYS being consumed really start to add up.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of the electricity used in the average home to power
electronics is consumed when the appliances are turned “off.” Televisions, DVD players, VCRs, stereos,
computers, cell phone (or other hand held device) chargers, and many kitchen appliances all have
phantom loads, wasting electricity and your money. Any appliances with electronic displays (such as
lights and clocks) that are always illuminated have phantom loads.
Below is a chart with some examples of appliances that have phantom loads and the estimated associated
energy and environmental costs.
Annual Cost
($0.12/kWh)
Annual Emission
of CO 2 (lbs.)*Appliance Watts Hours/Day
* 1.3 lbs. of CO2 emitted per kWh from natural gas.
Cell Phone Charger (not charging)
Microwave (with a digital clock)
X-Box 360 Gaming Console
Coffee Maker (with a digital clock)
Inkjet Fax
Stereo (digital display)
Cable Box
Desktop Computer (sleep mode)
Television (40" LCD)
Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
1
1.5
2.5
3
5
10
11
20
25
25
20
22
20
22
12
20
20
12
20
24
$0.88
$1.45
$2.19
$2.89
$2.63
$8.76
$9.64
$10.51
$21.90
$26.28
9.5
15.7
23.7
31.3
28.5
94.9
104.4
113.9
237.3
284.7