Like spooks in the ceiling, ghost energy is a terrifying thing. Rattling the chains of climate change, many households and businesses are using energy without even knowing it. Switches left on, for any reason and on any device, can draw energy from the electricity grid and inevitably contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Examples of ghost energy
Plug-in mosquito zappers or air-fresheners, left on long after they are not needed or the insecticide pad is expired – that's ghost energy. A glowing clock on a stove, microwave or any other appliance not actually in use – ghost energy. The TV on standby – ghost energy. Spotlights and garden lights left on long after anyone will need them for guidance – ghost energy. DVD player or computer left on stand by – plain scary. Surround sound speaker system: silent, but electrically standing by – ghost energy!
So, how do you rid your home, and the planet, of these invisible yet voracious energy guzzlers? It's simple - lean down and switch it off at the wall!
Switching off at the wall will, without doubt, eliminate the supply of energy to appliances and devices. Wherever and whenever possible (come on, make a little effort) turn off every item at the wall – not by using the remote.
How much climate change do the ghosts in your home rattle?
- Ovens: Average "Off" Standby: 5.8 Watt
- Broadband, external modem, self-powered: 8.2 Watt
- Speakers average: 3.6 Watt
- Air conditioner: 0.5 Watt
- Printers: Inkjet 6.6watt and Laser 12.3watt
- Home theatre systems (active standby) 36.4watt
That's more than 66 watts of wasted energy, for nothing! In fact, that's just about equivalent to running a pair of traditional fluorescent tubes! Imagine living in a house where you left two fluorescent lights on 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Banish the Ghosts!
Switch it off to decrease your energy bill – and switch it off to also switch off human-induced climate change. For more information about ghost energy check the Federal Government's energy rating website: www.energyrating.gov.au/standby-profiles2.html
Check out the Green Times Business Directory for businesses in the related energy and home & garden sections.
Written by Philippa Swift
