Posted on
June 15, 2026
by
The MacMillan Team
When homeowners think about reducing monthly expenses, they often focus on mortgage payments, insurance costs, or major home upgrades.
What many people don't realize is that some of the biggest opportunities for savings are hiding in plain sight.
It's called phantom energy.
Phantom energy, sometimes referred to as standby power, is the electricity consumed by devices that remain plugged in even when they're not actively being used.
Many of today's household electronics never completely shut off. Instead, they remain in standby mode waiting for the next command.
That small amount of power may not seem significant, but across multiple devices and over an entire year, it can have a noticeable impact on your utility bills.
Common Phantom Energy Offenders
Some of the most common culprits include:
If you notice a light glowing on a device after you've turned it off, there's a good chance it's still consuming electricity.
Simple Ways To Reduce Energy Waste
Fortunately, reducing phantom energy is relatively easy.
Consider these practical solutions:
Use Smart Power Bars
Power bars allow multiple devices to be switched off at once when not in use.
Unplug Chargers
Many chargers continue drawing power even when nothing is connected.
Enable Sleep Settings
Computers, televisions, and gaming systems often have energy-saving settings built in.
Upgrade Older Equipment
Modern appliances and electronics are significantly more energy efficient than older models.
Small Changes Create Long-Term Savings
Homeownership isn't always about major renovations and expensive upgrades.
Sometimes the biggest wins come from small habits repeated consistently over time.
By reducing phantom energy usage, homeowners can improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and get more value from their homes.
If you'd like more homeowner tips, maintenance advice, or real estate insights, we're always happy to help.
