Martin Methodist students, faculty and staff who are going to be away from their dorm room, apartment, classroom or office during the holiday break should remember to “hibernate” before leaving. “Hibernating” can help with environmental impact and is a GREAT way to reduce energy consumption.
What is a phantom load? This term is used to describe any appliance or electronic that still uses electricity or “standby power” when turned off. Electricity products such as televisions, DVD players, microwaves and personal computers all use standby power to keep the clocks, timers, remote controls and other features on home electronics working and ready to start the instant we press the button. It also means they’re constantly drawing electricity.
What office items typically produce a phantom load? Computers, monitors, speakers, printers, fax machines, copiers, coffee makers, space heaters, televisions, cell phone chargers, etc.
For example, a desktop computer and monitor typically cost around $7 per year if continually plugged in. With an estimated 200 computers on campus, we could be spending $1400 just to keep our computers plugged in.
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In an effort to save on energy, the HVAC system will be in economy mode from the evening of Friday, December 18th to the morning of Monday, January 4th.
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Click here to get involved with Sustainability! Click here to learn more about the interdisciplinary Sustainability minor