Did you know that many devices these days can draw power even when they are turned off? Nearly any electronic device with a soft switch will continue to draw electricity, a small amount, when turned off because of that “instant on” feature. These electrical drains, called phantom electricity drains, have the potential to cost you hundreds of dollars a year in power without having any benefit to you. Why not unplug them?
How can you identify whether or not a device is drawing power? Easy, look for a hard switch. Buttons are a tell-tale sign that the device isn’t off. If there’s a little red light (or any light), that’s another sign that electricity is being drawn. It’s only when you have a hard switch, like a light switch, is the physical connection broken. If you don’t break that connection, the circuits and switches in the device will provide resistance and draw power from the grid.
So, how do you use less power? The easiest way is to plug everything into a power strip and then pull out the strip when you don’t use it. Otherwise, unplug things you know you won’t use for a while. No sense paying for something you don’t need right? The power companies don’t need the money as much as you do!
Tags: Electricity, Saving Money
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[...] Money Hack also writes about how to avoid paying for phantom electricity usage, and includes tips on how to tell if a device is drawing power even when it’s turned [...]
[...] a small amount of savings but it’s like phantom electricity drains, why spend money on things that don’t improve your life? Why pay for hot water when cold [...]
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