The more electronics and electrical appliances you have at home, the more likely they are to be left plugged in all the time, whether in use or not. Did you know that electronics that you don’t actively use still consume energy when they are plugged in? Unplugging your electronics when not in use can save you electricity.
If you have a habit of leaving your appliances plugged in when not in use, they constantly draw small amounts of electricity called phantom energy or standby energy. Adding up all the standby energy from your electronics in idle mode may cost you 5-10% of your annual utility bill. So how do you prevent this from happening?
Does unplugging stuff save electricity?
You may want to ask what appliances use phantom energy? Phantom energy loads occur most in appliances such as televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances like microwave ovens.
According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory of the Department of Energy, phantom energy can roughly cost you $100 to $200 a year in your energy bill. You can save this amount of money if you practice unplugging your appliance. You may also want to use a handheld electricity monitor. This device can help you determine how many watts you’re using and see how much energy you can save by keeping them unplugged. Using a power strip may also make saving money easier by its wide range of features that you can adjust to cut all the power to the appliance based on your preferred time.
The benefit of unplugging your appliance not only saves you money and electricity, but it also protects your property from sudden power surges. Small surges may commonly occur in your large appliances such as air conditioning units or refrigerators when it’s turned on. If this occurs for long periods of time, other appliances may be affected and will eventually shorten its lifespan. Additionally, unplugged appliances may eliminate their risk of electrical fires even if the chance of fires in appliances that operate well is low.
Electrical Contractors in Seattle, WA
Are you looking to hire an electrical contracting firm in Seattle? Then contact us at OHM Electrical Contracting! Our team of electricians can handle any and all electrical needs. Founder and owner, Alfred, is a Master 01 Electrician who works with both residential, commercial, and industrial property owners.
OHM Electrical Contracting
620 S Orcas St Suite 80127, Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: (206) 973-9184
Email: info@ohmelectricalcontracting.com
