Chances are, you have an invisible phantom in your household! It's phantom power – the electronic power drawn from devices left plugged in that, even when turned off, still use a significant amount of power. In fact, the average household uses between five and ten percent of its electricity to power appliances and home electronics even while these devices are in standby mode*!

Computers, printers, cordless phones, TVs and microwaves are just a few of the common household products that use standby power. Curb your household phantom consumption by:

- Using ENERGY STAR® qualified products.
- Unplugging electronics and chargers when not in use, and using a multi-outlet power bar with a surge protector to switch off several devices at the same time.
- Using timers to automatically turn off standby power.

    * http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/reference/publications/14629

From The Shamez Virani/Virani Team July 2016 Newsletter - Courtesy of Market Connections Inc.