Enhancing Home: What Are ‘Phantom Loads’? Find, Off Them, and Save Money!

Trying to find ways to save money after the Christmas bills come due and you know tax season is coming? Well, have you ever wondered why your electricity bill seems  high even though you don't feel like you're using that much energy? It might be…Phantom Loads!

Phantom loads are the sneaky amounts of electricity your devices use even when they're turned off. Think of it like a vampire slowly draining your energy bill in the night! These loads come from devices still plugged in but not actively being used.

Common culprits of phantom loads include:

• TVs and other entertainment devices

• Computers and peripherals

• Kitchen appliances like coffee makers and toasters

• Chargers for phones, laptops, and other devices

• Electronics with standby lights or clocks

While each individual device might only use a small amount of power in standby mode, the larger effect of all these devices can add up to a significant cost on your electricity bill. In fact, studies have shown that phantom loads can account for up to 10% of a home's total energy consumption!

Find them: There are a few ways to identify the phantom loads in your home:

• Look for devices with standby lights or clocks. These are a dead giveaway that the device is still using power.

• Feel the power adapter. If it's warm to the touch, even when the device is off, it's using power.

• Use a kill-a-watt meter. This handy device can be plugged into any outlet to measure the amount of power being used by whatever is plugged into it.

Off Them: How to save money on phantom loads

Once you've identified the phantom loads in your home, there are a few things you can do to save money:

• Unplug devices when you're not using them. This is the simplest and most effective way to cut off phantom loads.

• Use power strips with on/off switches. This makes it easy to turn off a whole group of devices at once.

• Look for devices with energy-saving features. Many newer devices have built-in features that can help reduce phantom loads.

Take these steps to reduce phantom loads and you can save money on your electricity bill and help the environment. It's a win-win!

Here are some extra tips.

• Consider using smart plugs, which allow you to control devices remotely and even set schedules for them to turn on and off.

• Look for Energy Star certified devices, which are designed to be energy efficient.

• Make sure your home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss, which can also help reduce your energy bills.

By following these tips, you can easily identify and eliminate phantom loads in your home and start saving money on your electricity bill. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving energy!  For more tips about enhancing life, home, and your knowledge of Alaska Real Estate, follow me at www.kenhagler.com or www.youtube.cm/@kenhagler

Go Get the Day and Make it Golden!!