Phantom Load, otherwise known as idle current or standby power, is what occurs when your electronics are turned off, but are still using energy from your home. Amazingly enough, this accounts for around 10% of your monthly energy bill, while emitting more than 27 million tons of CO2 into the environment. Unplugging your electrical devices such as toasters, DVD players, and stereos when you're not using them reduces the amount of energy your home consumes.

SMART POWER STRIPS

A great way to reduce Phantom Load is to use Smart Power Strips for your electronics. Instead of running around the house at night unplugging all your electronics, attach all small electronics to a central power strip with an on/off switch that is easily accessible. Then you can turn the power strip off when you're not using them and save yourself some money. Be especially conscious about oversized AC plugs (cube-shaped transformers), as these draw almost half of the energy turned off as they do while on. They have been coined as "vampires" in the energy world. Smart Power Strips are also great when you're away at work or on vacation. They are inexpensive and available at any hardware store or supermarket.

THE FACTS

At the current rate of phantom energy, Americans waste about $4 billion a year on energy that we never even use.