Phantom Power Consumption Causes Israelis to Overpay for Electricity
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Many Israelis are overpaying for electricity due to "phantom power consumption" from appliances that draw power in standby mode, potentially adding 5-10% to their bills. Devices like microwaves, TVs, and gaming consoles contribute to this hidden cost. Solutions include using power strips with switches and smart plugs to disconnect devices when not in use, though essential appliances like refrigerators should remain powered.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Phantom power consumption from standby appliances can increase Israeli electricity bills by 5-10%.
- Appliances like microwaves, TVs, and gaming consoles contribute to hidden energy costs.
- Using power strips with switches can help disconnect multiple devices simultaneously.
- Smart plugs offer scheduled power cutoffs for appliances not in constant use.
- Essential appliances like refrigerators and security systems should not be disconnected.
Many Israelis are unknowingly overpaying for electricity due to "phantom power consumption" from household appliances that continue to draw power even when they appear to be off. This hidden energy drain can add tens or even hundreds of shekels to annual electricity bills, according to a report by Channel 14.
The issue stems from devices that maintain certain functions after being switched off, such as the digital clock on a microwave or the standby mode on televisions, gaming consoles, coffee makers, printers, and chargers. These appliances remain connected to the power grid to preserve settings, display time, or respond to remote controls.
While individual devices consume little power in standby, the cumulative effect of multiple devices in a home can account for an estimated 5% to 10% of the total electricity bill. The exact percentage varies based on the number and type of appliances and how long they remain in standby mode.
To reduce these costs, consumers can use power strips with switches to completely disconnect multiple devices from the power source when not in use. For example, a television, gaming console, and related media equipment can be plugged into a single surge protector, which can then be switched off. Smart plugs offer another solution, allowing users to schedule power cutoffs for specific times, such as overnight or when the home is unoccupied.
However, certain appliances like refrigerators, security systems, and equipment requiring continuous power should not be disconnected. Additionally, consumers are cautioned against overloading power strips with high-wattage devices like heaters or connecting multiple power strips in series. When purchasing new appliances, paying attention to their standby power consumption ratings is also advised, as energy-efficient models can significantly reduce these phantom energy costs.
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