August 05, 2025

Greetings!

Have you heard of Phantom or Vampire power? It'sthe energy your electronics use even when they seem off.

TVs, microwaves, printers, game consoles, chargers, and more all quietly sip electricity as long as they're plugged in.

That got me thinking: how many of us are paying for electricity we don't even use? This week, let's talk about the sneaky ways power gets wasted and what you can do to stop it.

Be Well,
Anisa

Please add [*FROM*] to your address book or visit here.

Unplugging Can Add Up

It may not sound like much, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power can account for 5 to 10 percent of a household's annual electricity use. That could be $100 or more per year, depending on your setup.

Easy Targets for Unplugging
- Power strips (turn them off with a single switch)
- Chargers for phones, tablets, and laptops
- Coffee makers and toasters
- TVs and streaming devices
- Game consoles
- Washers and dryers (many draw power even when idle)

Big Appliances Matter Too

Even stoves and washing machines use small amounts of power when plugged in, mainly for clocks, displays, or sensors. If you're not using them often, unplugging them can reduce unnecessary draw.

Smart Plugs and Timers Can Help

If unplugging things feels like too much work, consider using smart plugs or timers. They allow you to cut power automatically at night or when you're away from home — no bending over or reaching behind furniture required.

Try This Instead

Instead of: Leaving your coffee maker, TV, and charger plugged in 24/7
Try This: Plug them into a power strip you can switch off at night

In Closing...

We don't think much about what's plugged in, but every little watt adds up. If you're looking for a way to cut costs without sacrifice, start by unplugging what you're not using. It's simple, safe, and one of the easiest habits you can build.

Reader Tips Worth Every Penny

In response to the June 29th edition:

"Our local course gives deep discounts on Mondays. I keep a note on my fridge so I never forget to book that day!" – Tim K.

"I found a great set of irons on Facebook Marketplace. The seller was upgrading and threw in a golf bag for free!" – Sonya R.

Reply back to me with any comments on today's or past issues.

Featured Freebie: Annual Phantom Load Calculator

Curious how much phantom power your devices are using? Use this free calculator to find out.

I was shocked at the costs of my DVD players. I haven't used them in a long, long time but keep it plugged in. Just 2 of them is about $3.20! My Alexa's around the house $11!
This was really eye-opening. Visit Here to See How Much Your Devices are Using

---

Missed An Issue? Visit our archives loaded with past and new issues.