Switch Off the Standby
A phantom load, which is also known as standby power or vampire power, is the electricity consumed by an electronic device while it is turned off or in standby mode.
Phantom loads maintain your television settings to allow the unit to power up quickly when you press the "on" button, they keep the clocks going on your DVR player, your cooker and your microwave.
Phantom loads also keep your wireless network running even when you're not online, and they make sure your wireless printer is ready to print whenever you are.
Research by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimated that between 9% and 16% of total electricity consumed in homes, is used to power appliances while in standby mode. Take a look at this list and check how many you leave on standby:
TVs
VCRs and DVRs
Cell phone chargers (and any other battery chargers)
Clock radios
Computers and printers
Coffeemakers
Power strips
Microwave ovens
Answering machines
Any device with a remote control
Any device with a clock
Any device that is programmable
Any device with a power light or standby indicator light
Have some of these phantoms in your home? If so, here are some simple changes that you can make to eliminate them.
Plug phone, tablet and laptops chargers into a power strip then, flip the strip off when you're done using your computer. Do the same for your TV, set top boxes, games consoles and other home entertainment devices.
If you really don’t want to switch your computer off remember to set it to sleep more when it’s not in use.
Consider leaving your microwave unplugged until you need it, do you really need that extra clock?
Reduce the time your TV is on - According to Uswitch, a huge 42% of households in the UK leave the TV on for their pet for up to 4.6 hours a week. If you are concerned about your pet and want to leave him/her with something for company it’s more efficient to use a radio.