Green Tip of the Week: Stamp Out Phantom Power

The following tip comes courtesy the Go Green Galloway Task Force For Sustainability:

Stamp out phantom power! What is phantom power, you ask?   This is power that is being used by many of our household electronics and appliances while they are “off” or in standby mode. It is often referred to as “vampire” power for obvious reasons.

Televisions, VCRs, satellite systems, audio systems, cable boxes, phone chargers, microwave ovens, computers, printers and portable power tools are just a few of the items found in homes and offices that are draining our power and our pocketbooks.

To find out exactly how much phantom power these devices are drawing when turned off, there are energy monitors available, such as Kill-a-Watt, EnergyMonitor and Wattson that measure what each individual unit is using or what your whole house is using.

When you are in the market to purchase new electronics and appliances, visit the US EnergyStar website at www.energystar.gov to find out which ones are rated the most energy efficient.

For more information, call the Galloway Township Department of Community Education at 652-3700 x209 or email bfiedler@gallowaytwp-nj.gov