Phantom Load

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Definition: The electricity consumed by electronic devices and appliances when they are turned off or in standby mode, also known as standby power or vampire power.

Relevance to energy: Phantom loads can account for a significant portion of a home's energy consumption, impacting overall energy efficiency and electricity costs.

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Benefits:

• Awareness of phantom loads can lead to energy savings
• Easily addressed through behavioral changes and smart power strips
• Reducing phantom loads can lower electricity bills

Drawbacks:

• Can be difficult to identify all sources of phantom load
• Some devices need to maintain standby power for proper function
• May require investment in new power strips or smart home devices

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Statistics: According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, phantom loads account for about 10% of residential electricity use in the United States, costing consumers over $19 billion annually.