Kill the Phantom Load

The surest way to kill a phantom load, otherwise known as standby power or low mode power, is to simply pull the plug.

Power cords plugged into a power strip surge protector, to deter the phantom load energy vampires.

Photo: Steve Beckle / istock

By Brian Clark Howard

The surest way to kill a phantom load, otherwise known as standby power or lopomo, low power mode, is to simply pull the plug. That means when you're done with your coffee pot, microwave, hair dryer and other devices, disconnect them totally from their power sources.

Next to the TV, which can draw 12 watts of electricity even after you flick off American Idol, the biggest standby energy hog is the home computer and its suite of devices. A printer can draw 11.5 watts when idling, and a subwoofer, 10.8.

Plug them all into a power strip and, when you're through cruising for green tips, turn it off.

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