Today’s electronic devices suck power even when they’re turned off. From televisions, to DVD players, to computers, to chargers, they’re all drawing power from the outlet even when you’re not using them. Those little LED’s and stand-by modes draw trickles of energy called “phantom power” that can add up to 5 percent of household energy use and about $200 a year on average.

The factor that compounds the problem is the number of devices that we own has also exploded exponentially from three per household in 1980 to more than 25 today (according the New York Times). With new handheld gadgets cropping up at an almost daily pace, this trend is likely to continue.

So, how do we combat these drains on household electrical efficiency? To start you can begin using power strips and turning off the whole strip when you leave the room. You can also be certain to purchase energy efficient appliances, and unplug things when they’re not in use.

It’s better for all to invest in efficiency, and manufacturers of such devices should also receive a clear message that we’re all interested in more efficient devices. Reducing energy use means reducing emissions, so let’s all exorcise the phantoms in our homes.

RESOURCES

- An online database of products standby energy use from the Federal Energy Management Program at the U.S. Department of Energy.

- Buy electronics with the Energy Star label, see EnergyStar.gov.