Phantom Power Room-by-Room Guide

Phantoms in the Bedroom:

TV

Did you know that streaming media through a TV is far more energy-intensive than through a laptop?

Lamp

Motion sensors shut lights off automatically if you doze off. Some models are manually turned on, so tossing and turning will not trigger them to come on.

Clocks

You need an alarm clock every morning, but if you keep one in a spare bedroom, leave it unplugged until your guests are in town.

Laptop

Not using it? Unplug it! Although laptops are 90% more efficient than desktop computers, their chargers draw power when plugged in.

Phantoms in the study:

Computer and Monitor

Choose ENERGY STAR certified computers – they use 60% less energy standard models. Set your desktop computer to “hibernate” mode. It is more time efficient than shutting down your computer and can reduce your monitor’s energy consumption by two-thirds.

Printer/scanner

Printers and scanners sit idle waiting for you to press start – plug them into a power bar with auto shut off to save (and keep your office equipment lasting longer!)

Modem/wireless router

Plug your router and/or modems into power bars with timers to shut them off automatically during the hours when you are at work or asleep.

Phantoms in the Family Room:

Cordless phone

Buy ENERGY STAR certified cordless phones – they use 50% less energy and “smart” chargers that shut down completely when not charging.

Sound system

Sound systems are among the biggest energy culprits – plug them into power bars with auto-shutoff. They detect when the device is off and shut off power automatically.

TV/DVD/Cable box

Plug groups of electronics into one power bar with auto-shutoff. It senses when one device is off and cuts off power to the other devices. Then, when one is turned back on, power is restored to all.

Game consoles

The voice command feature in new consoles means they consume more energy in standby mode than when in use. Plug consoles into power bars with auto-shutoff to save energy.

PVR

Your PVR has to stay on to record programs. Look for an advanced power bar that has at least one “hot” or “always-on” outlet. It will cut off electricity to your other devices while still flowing to your PVR.

Phantoms Outside:

Holiday lights

Plug lights and other electronic holiday decorations into power bars with timers to have them automatically turn on and shut off.

Outdoor lights

Put outdoor lights on timers or add motion sensors to enhance home security and save energy.

Phantoms in the Bathroom:

Hair dryer/straightener/curler

Unplug and store away styling gadgets after to use to save energy and prevent safety hazards.

Shaver/electric toothbrush

Don't leave electric toothbrushes or shavers plugged in. Most need only an hour or so to charge batteries completely.

Phantoms in the Kitchen:

Coffee Maker

Coffee makers with glass pots draw as much at 1,000W just to keep your coffee warm. Switch to an insulated carafe. And, once you are finished your brew, unplug it.

Mixer/blender

When buying smaller appliances, think about whether you really need digital display or clock features that just drain power.

Toaster/kettle/microwave

Worried about cord clutter? Hide a power bar under your cabinets – with one flick of s switch, all your appliances will be read to use.

Device chargers

Chargers continually draw power, even if your phone or tablet is not connected. Create a “charging station” will all devices plugged into one power bar so it is easy to shut off power to all automatically.

Phantoms in the Garage:

Old fridge

Unplug that old second fridge when you are not using it to save up to $125 a year in energy costs.

Power tools/electric mowers

Power tools are power hungry! Unplug them as soon as they are charged to save electricity between uses.