It’s October, which means Halloween thrills and National Energy Awareness Month have both taken the stage.
Our featured villain is the Phantom of the Outlet. Also known as phantom energy or phantom load, this unseen foe quietly consumes electricity even when electronics appear to be turned off.
Fortunately, you don't need a dramatic finale to stop it. A few simple changes can help reduce phantom loads and cut other everyday energy waste around your home, helping lower your electric bill.
What Is Phantom Energy?
Phantom energy, also called phantom load or standby power, is electricity used by devices that remain plugged in when they're not actively in use. TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers, chargers and other electronics can quietly draw power 24 hours a day, adding to your monthly energy costs.
Here are a few tricks and treats to help keep the Phantom of the Outlet from taking center stage in your home.
Don’t Let Phantoms Suck Your Power
Many electronics continue using electricity even when they're turned off. To stop those sneaky phantoms from haunting your bill, unplug devices you aren't using or connect them to a smart power strip that cuts power when equipment goes into standby mode.
Ghost Your Energy Waste
Leaving lights, TVs, or fans running in an empty room wastes energy. Give wasted energy the ghost treatment by turning them off when you leave. It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce energy use at home.
Conjure Up a Witch’s Concoction
When possible, cook with smaller appliances such as air fryers, toaster ovens and multi-cookers. They typically use less energy than a full-size oven and can help keep your kitchen cooler, reducing strain on your air conditioner.
Eye of newt remains optional.
Keep the Chills Outside
Seal gaps around windows and doors to help keep conditioned air where it belongs. Fewer drafts can help your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently and may lower your energy costs.
Clear the Cobwebs from Your Airflow
Replace HVAC filters monthly. Clean filters improve airflow, help your system run more efficiently and may lower energy costs.
Cast a Savings Spell
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you're away and consider a programmable or smart thermostat to make adjustments automatically. Tampa Electric offers these thermostats totally free, along with other bill-lowering treats, through our Prime Time Plus and Energy Planner programs. Check them out. Your future self and your energy bill may thank you.
Beckon Creepy Creatures
Solar-powered pathway lights can help guide trick-or-treaters safely to your door without increasing your electric bill. They charge during the day and provide lighting after sunset using stored solar energy.
Turn Down the Cauldron
Set your water heater to 120°F and wash clothes in cold water when possible. These small changes can help reduce water heating costs while keeping your household comfortable.
Take a Bow, Phantom!
And with that, the curtain falls on the Phantom of the Outlet.
By reducing phantom loads and adopting a few energy-saving habits, you can keep hidden energy waste from taking a starring role in your monthly bill.
Want to see how much phantom energy may be costing you? Try our Phantom Energy Calculator by selecting "Phantom Loads," then explore more ways to save energy at home.
No tricks. No drama. Just scary-good energy savings.