Phantoms In My Kitchen
My kitchen glows at night. There is a green glow from the stove clock, a red glow from the microwave clock, and a blue glow from the stereo clock. This means that these appliances are using energy even when not "on," what energy experts call "phantom loads." The same can be said of television sets, DVD players, and computer printers that are plugged in and in standby mode or that have lights or "instant on" features. Phantom loads account for 2%-8% of household electricity use. According to a study by Home Power magazine, the total phantom load in the United States could provide enough power to handle the combined electricity needs of Vietnam, Peru, and Greece.
In order to fully eliminate the phantom load, one must cut all power entirely to these appliances when they are not in use. I have read that this would translate into an actual cost savings of $2-$4 per year per appliance.
So what we have is the dilemma of balancing what will save energy versus what is worth the effort. Let's just take the microwave, for example. There are three ways to shut it down entirely: 1) convert the outlet into a light switch or a motion sensor (which requires time, money, and for me, the possibility of electrocuting myself), 2) plug the microwave into a power strip (which requires money to purchase the strip as well as the use of precious counter space), or 3) unplug the unit each time you are not using it, and replug it when you need it (which takes time and is just plain annoying).
Say there are 7 appliances like this in your house that suck energy all the time, even when they are "off." The question is, is the time and effort that would be required to figure out how to entirely shut down power to each one be worth $25/year (plus the environmental benefits of saving energy)? I am still debating this one myself, and I will get back to you when I come up with an answer.
Comments
It seems to me that we always label a change in behavior as "extra effort" when in reality it is jst a different effort.
Right now, when I walk into the kitchen, I flip the switch to turn on the lights. I don't think of this as an extra effort; nor should flipping the switch on a power strip be seen as extra effort. It is simply the way I make coffee in the morning.
On a larger note, I have always thought of sustainability as makng the invisible, visible. Thanks for pointing out the energy use of "phantom loads." It is wild to think that because of phantom loads, my microwave (which is wired in a way that won't let me plug it into a powerstrip) will use more energy over its lifetime when it is off, than when it is on.
Posted by: Mark | July 30, 2007 10:23 AM