One of the most underestimated energy users is any appliance left plugged in while idle. Many devices continue to draw power even when not actively running, a behavior often referred to as standby or “phantom” usage. Televisions, coffee makers, microwaves with digital displays, phone chargers, and computer equipment all consume electricity simply by being connected to an outlet. On their own, these amounts seem insignificant, but together they can account for a surprising portion of a home’s energy use. Turning devices fully off, unplugging them, or using switchable power strips can quickly reduce this silent drain.
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