Bust those phantom loads

In an average home, more than 50 percent of the electricity used to power electronics is consumed while the devices are turned off. Standby electricity accounts for about 4 to 7 percent of total electrical consumption in Wisconsin homes. In the United States alone, phantom load costs consumers more than $3 billion a year. Reducing unnecessary phantom load helps save energy and protect the environment, as well as your wallet.

• Unplug household appliances and electronics from wall outlets when not in use and plug multiple devices into a power strip and turn the strip off when not in use.



• Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and electronics, which use up to 50 percent less energy than standard models.



• Unplug battery chargers when batteries are fully charged or when the charger is not in use.