The common habit adding up to 10% to your energy bills
Vampire energy: The hidden electricity drain explained
- Phantom energy, also known as vampire energy, refers to electricity consumed by electronic devices when they are plugged in but not actively in use.
- This wasted electricity can account for 5 to 10 per cent of a household's total energy consumption, depending on factors like equipment age.
- Common culprits include phone chargers, microwaves, and smart televisions, with the latter potentially using up to 40 times more energy in standby mode than regular TVs.
- Phantom energy contributes to climate change by increasing demand for electricity, often from sources that release planet-warming emissions.
- Unplugging unused devices or disabling unnecessary features can significantly reduce energy waste, save money, and collectively contribute to substantial reductions in carbon emissions.