Chances are, you’ve never heard of the term “phantom load.” What is it and how does it affect you?

In a nutshell, the phantom load is the electricity consumed by a device when it is turned off. For example, your television consumes electricity as it waits for you to hit the “on” button on your remote. The clock on your uses up energy 24/7 to keep track of time. Devices that have a phantom load are sometimes called “vampires.” These devices have a hidden energy cost that most people are never even aware of.

Nationally, phantom loads make up about six percent of our energy consumption. This translates into billions of dollars spent and countless amounts of pollution emitted into our air. Obviously, phantom loads are a huge problem, especially as energy costs rise and our fossil fuel reserves near depletion.

Click here to continue this article, and to find helpful tips and tricks on reducing your phantom load footprint.