Does Putting Your Electronics on Standby Save Power?

Most people assume that if they put their electronics on standby, then they’re no longer using electricity. This actually isn’t true. Standby doesn’t mean “off.” How much energy your devices use, whether they’re on standby or turned off, is more complicated than you’d probably think at first. Here’s a breakdown:

The Short Answer: Yes

So, does putting your electronics on standby save power? Technically yes, but it’s probably much less than you’d think. Devices on standby use less power than devices that are fully turned on and being used. The problem is that most people think that putting their devices on standby means that they’re no longer drawing any power, which isn’t true. Electronics on standby are still drawing power—although less than they would if they were actively being used—ready to receive a signal, keep a clock on display or respond to a remote.

What About Turning Them Off Completely?

Once people learn that their devices are still using power when put on standby, their next question is usually “Does turning electronics off use less power than putting them on standby?” And the answer is yes. When you completely power off a device or appliance, it uses significantly less power than it would if it were on standby, but this is where another assumption arises: devices that are powered off don’t use any energy at all. This is also untrue. Devices that are powered off or put on standby both draw standby power, or phantom energy.

What is Standby Power (or Phantom Energy)?

Standby power, also known as phantom energy or sometimes vampire energy, is the electricity that devices continue to draw even if they’re turned off or on standby. Standby power accounts for roughly 5-10% of a household’s total energy consumption. While this may not sound like a huge percentage, the costs add up over time. This can mean spending an extra $100-$200 per year on power that you’re not even using.

Do Certain Devices Use More Standby Power Than Others?

Once you learn about standby power, the natural next questions are “Which devices use standby power?” and “Do certain devices use more standby power than others?” To answer these questions, the most common culprits of standby power are TVs, gaming consoles, cable boxes, chargers, appliances and office electronics. And yes, certain devices use more standby power than others:

• Gaming consoles maintain a low-power state to continuously stay connected to a network, check for updates and respond to controllers.
• Cable and satellite boxes also maintain a low-power state to continuously download TV guides and run background DVR services.
• Smart home devices maintain a constant Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection in order to receive commands, run background updates and trigger automated routines.
• Appliances with digital displays, like coffee makers and microwaves, consistently draw power to keep LED displays lit and clocks running.

How to Stop Paying for Power You’re Not Actually Using

Now that you know which devices draw standby power, whether on standby or switched off, you’re probably wondering how to reduce this phantom energy drain. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do:

• Unplug unused devices.
• Use smart power strips or power strips with an easy on/off switch.
• Turn on eco-mode or low-power settings if available on your devices.

Monitoring your home’s energy consumption is easier when you have the ability to track your meter in real time. With prepaid electricity from Pronto Power, not only do you have the freedom and flexibility to pay for electricity on your schedule, but you can also monitor your usage in real time. This helps you identify opportunities to save in the moment, and you can see the immediate effects of standby power. Learn more about our prepaid electricity plans or contact us online to get started!