Pop Quiz: Where Does Your Power Go?
by Dominic Muren, Philadelphia, USA on 06.19.08
Answer: d) 75%
That's right, most of the energy needed to power your household electronic devices--such as VCRs, t.v.'s and microwaves--is used when those devices are actually turned off. According to the U.S. DOE, just 25% of the electricity goes towards powering the devices when they are on; the rest of the time those devices are drawing energy off the grid even if they aren't doing anything. This phenomenon is called phantom loads or vampire energy, and it is a deceptively significant problem. Using power strips and unplugging chargers when not in use can add up to significant energy savings.
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I seriously doubt that. Where is the source for the 75% statistic? The Treehugger article you link "Is Phantom Energy Haunting Your House?" says its 5%.
Turned OFF, as no power going to them? NOT!!! many items draw some power when 'off' TVs, everything with a clock...
We want to be able to use the remote to turn on the set.
Maybe you forget 'warming up' the picture tube, Solid-State allows an Instant on TV.
On the bright side I agree with treehugger philosophy in that many times, you can completely power down a device and save juice. CHEAP green [or simply clean] juice is the answer