Don’t Let Phantom Power Trick You into Higher Energy Usage

10/30/2020

While ghosts and goblins only come out at Halloween, phantom power can haunt your electric bill year-round. With a few tips and tricks, however, you can scare away unnecessary energy usage.

Phantom power, also known as standby power, vampire power or phantom load, is the energy used by certain plugged-in appliances and electronic devices, even when they are in standby mode or turned off.

The most common culprits include electronics with remote controls, built-in clocks or timers and instant-on features such as televisions, computers, printers and video game consoles.

While it might seem like a trivial amount, it’s spooky how much wasted energy can add up over time and affect monthly utility bills. According to the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, phantom power accounts for as much as 10% of residential electricity usage.

High electric bills can be frightening, but with a little care and attention, they don’t have to be. Use these tips to keep high electric bills from haunting you.

Vanquish phantom load by turning off appliances and electronics that use power even when you’re not using them. These “vampires” sit in stand-by mode and suck energy that can add to the cost of your bill. Plug these devices into power strips and turn them off regularly with the push of a button.

Banish sneaky phone chargers and power adapters by unplugging them and whatever they are charging when not needed.
Trap escaping air from windows and doors by using caulking or weather stripping leaky areas and closing chimney flues.
Ward off witches by lowering the heat on that fiery cauldron (aka water heater).
Scare away ghosts with LED bulbs, which last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs.
Guard against evil power surges from lightning or voltage spikes by using surge protectors on expensive electronics and appliances.
‘Mummify’ your house with new insulation in walls and attics.
Engage the superheroes of energy efficiency with the Entergy Solutions
Treat yourself to a new Energy Star-rated appliance.

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 461,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 8,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11 billion and more than 13,600 employees.

-30-

entergytexas.com
Twitter: @EntergyTX
Facebook: Facebook.com/EntergyTX