Check Out a Wattmeter and Save Energy in Your Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2011
Contact: Kanya Lyons | (512) 974-7379

Check Out a Wattmeter and Save Energy in Your Home

Central Texans can now check out a wattmeter for a three-week period at any Austin Public Library location. Wattmeters measure how much electricity appliances and other "plug-ins" draw from the grid. You might be surprised to discover that some of your everyday household appliances use quite a bit of electricity when they are plugged in but turned off. Called "phantom load" or "vampire power," this energy drain can account for about 10% of an individual home's electricity use, enough electricity to more than pay an electric bill one month of each year. Plugging devices like the TV, DVD player and DVR into a power strip and switching it off when not in use can save you a surprising amount of money.