In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power electronics is consumed while the products are turned off, according to the Department of Energy. These "phantom loads" occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, DVD players, televisions, stereos, computers and kitchen appliances.
While the wasted standy power of household electronic devices is typically very small, the sum of all devices within the household becomes significant.
In fact, did you know that a television with a remote could use more energy during the 20 hours it is turned off waiting for you to turn it on than it does while you are watching it for four hours in the evening?
Here are some clues to identify your energy "bandits": They're appliances with remote controls, such as televisions, DVD players and audio equipment. They feature a continuous digital display -- like glowing clocks on stoves and microwaves. They use rechargeable batteries, such as cordless phones (which use energy even after the battery is charged). And they're appliances with external power supplies, such as inkjet printers and iPod chargers.
Watch out for the cube shaped transformers that plug into the wall. These devices are 60-80 percent inefficient when plugged in, so it is especially important that these are on power strips.
To find phantom loads in your home, turn off all lights at night and look for any lighted electronic displays (LEDs) or other glows in the house. Any device that requires resetting after a blackout or power surge is also an energy bandit.
Ridding your home of these energy bandits is as simple as pulling the plug. You can even switch off several devices that are often used together -- such as a PC, monitor and a printer -- by using a switchable power bar or surge protector with multiple sockets. Unplug rarely used appliances and chargers that aren't in use, including your microwave, toaster oven, hair dryer, game console and coffee pot.
For more information on how to save energy in your home, contact us at 1-800-264-7732.