Have you ever wondered why your electricity bill is so high, even though you're not using all of your appliances and devices? Chances are, you're being affected by something called "phantom consumption."
What is Phantom Consumption?
Phantom consumption refers to the phenomenon where appliances and devices continue to use energy, even when they're not in use. This can happen when devices are left on standby mode or when appliances have been turned off but are still using energy through built-in power supplies. This hidden energy consumption can add up and make a significant impact on your energy bill.
Examples of appliances that can contribute to phantom consumption include televisions, computers, chargers, routers, modems, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances, lighting, and smart home devices.
How Much Phantom Consumption Costs Us?
Phantom consumption can be a significant contributor to overall energy consumption, and addressing it can result in significant energy savings. The exact amount of energy that can be saved will depend on the number and types of devices and appliances that are consuming standby power in your home, as well as how those devices are used.
According to the US Department of Energy, standby power accounts for 5-10% of the total electricity usage in an average household.
This means that by reducing or eliminating phantom consumption, it is possible to save 5-10% of your total energy consumption, which translates to a significant amount of money in energy costs over time.
It is also worth noting that reducing energy consumption through strategies such as eliminating phantom consumption can also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution associated with electricity generation.
How To Stop Phantom Consumption?
The good news is, there are several strategies and technologies that can help you reduce or eliminate phantom consumption. Here are a few things you can do:
Unplug appliances and electronic devices when they're not in use, or use power strips with built-in switches to make it easier to turn off multiple devices at once.
Use smart High Load Switches that automatically cut power to electronic devices in standby mode.
Use motion sensors or timers to control lighting and other electrical devices, so they're only on when needed.
Adjust settings on devices and appliances to reduce the amount of energy they use when in standby mode.
Use Energy Star certified devices, as they are designed to reduce standby power consumption.
Use energy management apps to monitor the energy consumption of devices and appliances connected to the internet, and to set schedules for when they should be turned off or put into standby mode.
Using Smart Switches To Get Rid of Phantom Consumption
One of the ways to minimize the impact of phantom consumption on your energy bill is to install a High Load Switch in your circuit breaker panel that will turn off all sockets when certain conditions are met, such as when you arm your security alarm. This can be a convenient and effective way to reduce phantom consumption by cutting power to appliances and devices that are not in use.
Additionally, you may also want to consider using a home automation system to integrate the smart switch with your security system, so that power is automatically cut to specific circuits or groups of circuits when the alarm is armed. This will allow you to have a more comprehensive control over your home's energy consumption.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the amount of energy that is wasted through phantom consumption, and ultimately lower your energy costs and reduce your environmental impact. It's a small step that can make a big difference.