Some devices, like TVs and game systems, use electricity even when turned off. These are called phantom loads because they’re electrical loads that you cannot see, like a phantom. Anything that has an LED on it, like a clock, or that uses a remote control, is always using a little bit of electricity. These phantom loads can really add up, too. The best way to get rid of phantom loads is to unplug those devices when they aren’t in use. If the outlet is out of reach, you can use a power strip and turn the switch off. Sometimes there are devices that you only use when you use others. For example, you probably don’t use a DVD player or a game console unless the TV is turned on. A smart strip can be used for these systems. When the main device is switched off – in this case the TV – the smart strip automatically cuts the power to the other devices plugged into it. If you have something like a cable DVR that you don’t want powered down, there is a special outlet for it. Eliminating phantom loads can save 5-10 percent of the electricity that these devices consume.
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Make A Difference You’re just a kid, how can you make a difference? Believe it or not, adults will listen to you when you present good ideas in a respectful, positive way. You may not be making the decisions about the appliances and light bulbs your family buys, but you can make suggestions. Tell the grownups in your house about ENERGY STAR® appliances. Explain how LED light bulbs use less electricity to do the same job and last a lot longer. Set a good example by turning off the water while you brush your teeth and not leaving things turned on when you’re finished with them.
Home Energy Usage
WATER HEATING
16%
HEATING
29%
COOLING
14%
REFRIGERATION
6%
COMPUTERS/ ELECTRONICS COOKING, CLEANING, & OTHER 27% LIGHTING 8%
Data: EIA 2015 RECS
©2020 The NEED Project Energy, Climate, and You Student Guide
www.NEED.org