Video:How to Reduce Phantom Loads to Lower Your Electric Bill

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Transcript:How to Reduce Phantom Loads to Lower Your Electric Bill

Hi! I'm Debbie Anderson for About.com!

Unsuspecting devices around the home can often continue to use electricity even when these items are turned off or not in use – this extra electricity being used is often referred to as phantom loads. So today I'm going to show you a few tips on how to reduce your monthly electric bill by reducing phantom loads around the home that can add extra costs to your monthly electric bill.

Unplug Electronic Devices

First, go around the home and unplug any televisions and DVD players, clock radios, printers, fax machines, coffee makers, microwaves, cell phone chargers and other home appliances or electronics not currently being used around the home from the wall electrical outlet.

Then, only plug these devices back into the wall electrical outlet when you actually need to use the device and remember to unplug the device once again when you are finished using it.

Use Power Strips

Next, use power strips to plug in multiple electronics in the same area of the home and get in the habit of turning off the power for these devices at the power strip when the devices are not actively being used in the home.

To reduce your phantom loads even more, use smart strip surge protectors to automatically turn off the power to plugs for devices that are not currently being used. This will help reduce your phantom loads for those times when you might forget to turn them off at the power strip yourself.

Use Sleep Mode

Finally, set your computer to go into sleep mode or turn it off when it is not in use.

With these few added tips, you're sure to reduce your home's phantom loads and keep that electric bill down!

Thank you for watching! To learn more, please visit us on the Web at About.com!