Originally posted by Miss Meow
If you have an electricity meter that spins, watch it, then go inside and turn off as much electrical stuff as you can AT THE WALL. Then go back outside and see how much slower your meter is turning!

LOL,

I catch my self 'watching the electricity wheel spin'.....
How much energy does that use up?

The reason for phantom loads is the need for us to have that 'instant on' feature for our appliances....especially the television set. Almost any remote controlled appliance runs that way.

About the fireplace heating.....tell that to Edward...sometimes I pick him up and he is ready to burst into flames!!!