Fixing Phantom Loads - Frequently Asked Questions

There are many steps you can take to get your energy use under control and reduce it and your energy bill substantially. One of the main problems people have, though, is knowing where to start and what to look for.

Fixing phantom loads is one of the best things you can do, so let's look at some frequently asked questions regarding phantom loads and get the answers so you not only know what to look for but what to do after you've found them.

1. What Exactly Is Meant By Phantom Loads?

First of all, loads are anything connected to an electrical circuit drawing power from that circuit. Phantom loads refers to any appliance or device that, while plugged in, is turned off but is still drawing power. These are also known as standby losses, and the average U.S. household wastes about 4 percent of its energy on these little devils.

2. How do I identify them?

Here's the tricky part, and the reason they're called "phantom" because they're practically invisible! Electronic devices and appliances don't advertize the fact that they're phantoms, so the only way to find them is by doing it the hard way. Grab a pencil, a notepad and what's known as a digital power meter, which measures electricity usage, and check each device and appliance individually by plugging the item into the power meter and turning the device or appliance on, off and using it and note the power used. You may be in for a shock by the time you've finished.

3. Now I've found them, how do I eliminate them?

Unfortunately, it's not just a matter of turning them off; after all, that's why they're called phantoms. The best thing to do is plug groups of phantoms, such as your computer and related devices (printer, etc.), into either a switched circuit or a power strip so you can turn them all off at the flick of a switch. loads.

4. OK, they're gone, but how do I keep them away?

The secret is to stay on top of the problem and not let your guard down. For instance, you may go out and buy the odd device or appliance, plug it in and never give it another thought. Arrgghhh! The phantoms are back! That's because you didn't check those new toys you bought to see whether or not they caused any standby losses. So, make sure to grab your power meter and check any new electronic gadget brought into your house.

These are the biggest questions most often asked where phantom or standby loads are concerned, along with the answers to those questions. Find the phantoms and kick them out of your home and see how much nicer your electricity bill looks.