Phantom Loads are a serious problem. There are several facts about Phantom Loads. But there are many intuitive solutions as well. The definition of "Phantom Loads" basically, is, leaking energy. It is energy consumed when a device is supposedly "Off " actually still using energy, just less. When you unplug a device, it is NOT using phantom loads.
Here are some interesting facts on Phantom Load.
A: 75% of phantom loads occur when the appliance is on the "Off " position.
B: Though us, Americans, only make up 5% of the world population, we consume 26% of the world's energy.
C: If you live in a typical home, you live with 20 "vampires", or 20 rarely-used appliances.
D: One study found out that the Phantom loads of TV's alone world-wide, is equal to the output of a Chernobyl power plant.
However, this does NOT mean that we can't make a difference. Here are five ways to reduce phantom loads. More info on phantom loads is on the Phantom Load Webpage.
A: Use surge protectors. They are used for appliances that don't require battery back up.
B: Consider one freezer instead of two.
C: If you have a night light rarely or never used, unplug it!
D: Go SOLAR OR WIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
E: How about a battery-powered doorbell and thermostat. Sounds super cool, and it saves a whole bunch of energy.
Of course, there are many more ways to reduce phantom loads. These are just baby steps. YOU, yes YOU, can raise awareness! Simple, a blog or two can work. A service project would work well. There are so many ways to reduce phantom loads, and that's why people like us are thinking about this and creating blogs. We need to reduce California's energy demands, and one way is eliminating phantom loads. Please, help make a difference.
