Does wasting $100 sound scary to you? That’s about what the average U.S. household spends each year on phantom load. Phantom load is the electricity used by appliances and electronic devices while they are turned off or not performing their primary job. There may be up to 40 of these devices lurking in your home. Big power suckers include TVs, cable boxes, video consoles and battery chargers.

Giving up the energy ghosts

While it is impossible to completely rid your home of phantom load, there are actions you can take to conjure up some real savings:

• Unplug devices that are rarely used. Examples include a television and DVD player in your guest room.
• Use a power strip with a switch to control groups of devices, such as computer clusters (computer, printer, speakers) and entertainment centers (television, stereo, game console). Keep devices such as a cable box and wireless transmitter on a separate circuit to avoid loss of connection.
• Use advanced power strips for computers and other devices. These "smart" power strips can sense when a device is turned off or not being used and will shut off the power automatically.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR certified appliances and electronic devices. ENERGY STAR products typically draw less standby power than standard models.

Still spooked by high utility bills? Our Money-Saving Quick Tips can help you find ways to save energy and money all year long.