Overview
- Phantom or vampire energy is the electricity used by devices left plugged in when not being actively used, from chargers and microwaves to TVs and game consoles.
- Experts estimate these idle loads make up about 5% to 10% of home energy use, with older equipment typically consuming more.
- Smart, internet-connected televisions can draw up to roughly 40 watts while in standby due to wake and connectivity features, according to ACEEE’s Matt Malinowski.
- Advocates and TV manufacturers have agreed to a voluntary effort aimed at lowering standby consumption in connected sets.
- Consumers are urged to unplug idle devices or turn off unused features to cut bills and emissions, with Vanderbilt’s Jonathan Gilligan estimating collective actions could reduce U.S. emissions by about 20% a year, or around 450 tons of CO2.