Is there phantom electricity usage (that is $$ significant) on an electric cordless phone? On a clock/radio? On a toaster that is plugged in but not actually "on" (toasting)? On a CD/tape player that's plugged in but not turned on (red power light is not on)? Those are the things I can think of in our house that are plugged in even if not being used. I wonder if they pull any electricity just sitting there....


Neat thread!



Mommy4Jesus

Don't worry. I don't think Al Gore goes to Mississippi.
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LOL!
No, he would send his hired hands.

Yes, there can be phantom electricity in items plugged in such as, coffee maker, radio, toaster oven, microwave, computer printer, etc.
The main thing to look for is if your appliance has a clock, timer, or power on/off light that stays on even when not in use, then phantom electricity is being pulled to "power" the clocks and power lights. So for instance say you have a Nintendo WII. The console is powered off, but a red light stays on to tell you it is off. That is pulling electricity. When you first think about it the thought might be "well that is such a small amount". But if you have 7 different electronic items doing that, each day for a 30 day billing cycle, that can add up to a lot.

I also wanted to say that we changed our outside flood lights about 3 years ago to CFL bulbs (the first ones we ever changed) and they are still going strong. Before that our flood lights burned out within a year. I am sorry for the person that has not had luck with the bulbs. Everyone I have ever talked to has never had a problem with them burning out after a year.
But, you never know...

Stacey

Stacy, did you only use florescent flood lights. I have never used them. I have only used the inside lights.

This post is really making me feel guilty......even the Wii and the coffeemaker, you say? Can't I just keep the wool over my eyes a little longer? Or better yet, can't I just put some wool over the eyes of Al Gore?

I love Tipper, by the way. She's one of my favorite moms of all time. I think they were high school sweethearts, weren't they?

And I have no clue what kind of light bulbs I have. How do you screw one in, anyway?

yes, there is phantom usage on all that stuff.

and if your cell phone charger is in the wall (but not charging), it's still sucking power.

minnie: I say if you don't mind paying the bill, then keep your stuff on. :)

we turn everyone off that we can..I'm a power miser.

We have Compact Fluorescent Flood light bulbs for our outside lights, but inside we have Neolite Low Mercury CFL's.

I live in NH and electricity costs are high in this neck of the woods, so I do just about anything I can cut the cost for our household. I know from past posts that you too are frugal like me, therefore I am sure you have cost cutting methods that you use, though they may be different than mine. It is all good in my eyes.

Stacey

Thanks Stacy!
I am wondering if maybe it is a brand issue? I actually had one go out in days. That only happened once though. I think it was a fluke.