Phantom Power is Creeping Into Your Energy Bill

Look around your house. All those home electronics devices -- like TV's, DVD players, phone chargers and coffee makers – continue to burn energy even when they're not in use. And it's costing you more than you know. A US Department of Energy report estimates that a whopping 75% of the energy used for typical home electronics devices is wasted.

This energy is called ”phantom power” -- an electrical load that continues even when the devices are turned off. And it's responsible for about 15% of your total energy bill!
Our pocketbooks aren't the only victims -- the earth suffers too. Phantom power sends about one and half tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year per household. That adds up to abut 165 million tons of CO2 per year in the US. This dramatically affects your Total Environmental Impact, your electricity bill, and the air we breathe. You can put a stop to phantom power.

What's the solution? All it takes is the proper usage of power strips. Simply plug all your home electronics devices into power strips, not an outlet. At night or when you go away for the day, flip the power strip's switch off. It's that easy. Power strips help reduce your energy bill, and they're just as good for the planet as they are for your wallet.

Here are 4 steps to take immediate action against phantom power:

• Always power-down your computers and office equipment when not in use. They're notorious phantom power drains.
• Purchase inexpensive power strips, switchable outlets or virtual power control devices. The average home will need about 5-8 strips. Need help deciding what kind to buy? Read EVO's top power strip picks.
• Purchase Energy Star rated TV's, home electronic devices, and appliances. They use far less energy when in “stand by” mode, and cost you less money.
• When you go away on a trip, unplug all major appliances and put your fridge on "economy" mode.