Fact Sheets

There are many ways to save energy through the items in your house. Learn here about energy efficient appliances, equipment, and materials.
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Home Appliances : Standby Mode

Standby Mode

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Even when your appliances are turned off, they are still consuming electricity
This "Phantom Load" can add up to many dollars over the course of a year

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Standby Mode

Electricity consumed during the “standby” mode or the “off” mode of many appliances can waste considerable energy. Some examples are computers, TV, microwave and cell phone chargers.

This energy is called “phantom load” and appliances that use it are also known as “vampire appliances” or “energy vampires” because they are using power without someone actively operating them. Energy costs on electric bills can be reduced significantly by making a few changes around the home.
Energy-Saving Tips
Use a power strip for computers and home entertainment systems. Turn everything off at once at night and when not in use during the day. Unplug appliances and chargers when not in use. Don’t get in the habit of leaving cell phones and other devices plugged in all night.

Be aware, if you do use a power strip to turn off your television, VCR, or DVD player, you will lose your saved settings. You can unplug your computer and monitor without losing your settings, as they are saved by an internal battery.

Look for the EnergyStar label; buy energy-efficient appliances. Use a corded phone rather than a cordless phone. This saves the energy consumed by the rechargeable battery of the cordless phone.

 For energy efficient products and more information on standby, click here.