Phantom loads refer to the power that appliances draw when they are not turned on. Many appliances, including televisions, microwaves, clocks and chargers, draw power when they are not in use. These loads make up about 6 percent of our national power consumption.
To prevent phantom loads, unplug devices that are not in use, or put them on a power strip which you can easily turn on and off. ENERGY STAR appliances should be purchased to reduce the load for appliances that it would be impractical to turn off.