When a hefty electricity bill arrives at the end of the month, many people get stressed, wondering what they can do to reduce their expenses. According to a CNET survey, about 80 percent of people experience stress due to their electricity bills. Many people are unable to reduce their bills despite repeated attempts, while the real reason is a hidden load in their homes that most people are unaware of. This is called phantom load.
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What is Phantom Load?
Phantom load refers to the electricity consumption that electronic devices continue to use even when they are turned off. According to Energy.gov, many devices, such as TVs, computers, chargers, gaming consoles, and smart refrigerators, continue to draw power even when completely switched off. For example, TVs or audio systems remain in standby mode, which means they continuously consume electricity. A phone charger also consumes electricity even when a mobile phone is not plugged into it. In addition, smart gadgets with active displays or internet connections also continuously use energy. Such devices add 5 to 10 percent extra to the electricity bill every month.
How much energy and money is wasted due to Phantom Load?
According to data from the US Department of Energy, phantom load alone accounts for approximately 5 to 10 percent of a home’s total electricity consumption. A study by Colorado State University revealed that a radio or CD player uses about 4 watts of electricity even when turned off. Unplugging it can save a hundred times more electricity over its lifespan. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, simply reducing phantom load could save approximately $8 billion in energy costs worldwide every year. On average, each family can save about $165 per year, which is approximately 13,000 rupees. Easy and Effective Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
The simplest and most effective way to reduce phantom load is to immediately unplug appliances that are not in use. Don’t leave your TV, music player, computer, or other electronic devices in standby mode. Remove phone chargers from the socket after you’ve unplugged your phone. Prevent unnecessary electricity consumption by removing old appliances or gadgets that you no longer use from your home.
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If unplugging devices frequently seems inconvenient, use smart plugs or surge protectors. These allow you to switch off multiple devices with the press of a button. With smart plugs, you can set timers to use your TV or other appliances only at designated times. This method can help reduce your electricity bill by up to 10 percent.