“Phantom energy” is the hidden electricity consumption of devices left plugged in, even when not actively used.
These are everyday electrical devices such as phone chargers, microwaves, smart TVs, and desktop computers.
According to Alexis Abramson, dean of the School of Climate at Columbia University in New York, this wasted energy accounts for between 5% and 10% of total household electricity consumption in the United States.
This rate varies depending on the age and technology of the devices.
According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), modern devices tend to waste more electricity in standby mode.
For example, smart TVs connected to the internet can consume up to 40 watts of electricity in standby per hour 40 times more than a regular TV and almost the same as three LED bulbs or one incandescent bulb.
This is because they remain in “listening” mode to respond to voice commands or connect to other devices.
Manufacturers and environmental organizations are currently working together to reduce energy waste in smart TVs in standby mode, which may lead to lower energy consumption in the future.
This energy waste is not only an economic problem but also an environmental one.
The CEO of a global Earth Day organization notes that while the individual cost for each household is small, the cumulative environmental impact is enormous, as it requires additional electricity production, often based on polluting energy sources.
Professor Jonathan Gilligan from Vanderbilt University, who studies the impact of energy consumption on climate change, explains that the continuous flow of electricity from outlets contributes to the climate crisis and increases greenhouse gas emissions.
According to his research, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20% per year could reach 450 tons.
The simplest solution to save money and the environment is to unplug devices when not in use.
It is recommended to start with small steps, such as unplugging chargers after the battery is fully charged.
Another step could be unplugging devices not in regular use, such as a toaster or microwave.
“Do you really need the microwave to show the time, or can you simply unplug it?”
For those who find it hard to remember to unplug devices, checking their settings is advised.
In some devices, like smart TVs, it is possible to disable “listening” features and device connections, reducing standby energy consumption.
Still, unplugging devices is not always simple, as some devices require a continuous power supply to function properly, such as a computer.
It is unfortunate that manufacturers do not include options to completely disconnect the device or at least reduce its consumption to the minimum necessary.
Gilligan emphasizes that every small choice has a significant impact, especially in large populations like in the United States.
He explains that personal choices can become social norms.
People are more likely to reduce their carbon footprint when they see others doing the same.
“This is one of the fastest and simplest ways to impact the environment,” he concludes.