Standby Power

Did you know that many appliances and electronic equipment use electricity even when turned off? This is called standby power, sometimes referred to as "phantom" power. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for:

• An estimated 5% to 10% of household electric use.
• As much as $100 per year for the average U.S. household.

Some standby power is useful because it lets equipment receive remote control signals. However, other uses are not needed:

• Cell phone and other battery chargers plugged in when not in use
• Seldom-used computer printers or other non-essential devices left on 24/7

Tips to reduce wasted energy at home

• Check out a portable energy meter from your public library to learn which equipment uses power when turned off.
• Unplug chargers, office equipment and small appliances when not in use.
• Use power strips with on/off switches to plug in your appliances. Surge protector power strips typically have such switches and help protect your appliances and electronics. If you plug all your products into a power strip and flip off the power strip when these items are not in use, they are truly off.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR^® label when buying new appliances and equipment.