Certain appliances and electronic devices continue to use power even when they are turned off
Standby power, also known as phantom power, is electricity that simply goes to waste.
Standby power can be prevented by:
- Unplugging cell phone chargers, laptops, battery chargers and other similar devices that have a transformer when not being used
- Or, plugging these devices into a power bar with a switch that can be turned off
Some standby power is necessary. It's the kind of thing that keeps your television ready to detect signals from your remote control. If you watch your television a lot, you'll appreciate having it ready. But, keep in mind it can draw up to 4 watts of power even when it's not on. One great option, especially at night, is to put your whole entertainment center on a power bar with a timer. You can set it to be ready when you get up in the morning and not use any power when you're sleeping or when you're away at work.
Did you know that even when your battery charger is not attached to a phone, drill, camera, or other appliance, it is still drawing power if it's plugged in? The charger will also draw some current even after the appliance is fully charged.
In the average Saskatchewan home, 40 per cent of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This standby power is equal to about 4 per cent of total home electricity consumption or over 300 kilowatt hours per year.
In Canada, two coal-fired power stations could be decommissioned if standby power were eliminated.
Devices likely to draw standby power
- any appliance with a digital interface or clock
- microwave, coffee maker, DVD player, VCR
- anything that relies on DC power
- laptop computer, electric toothbrush, printer, fax machine
- any device that has a remote control
- stereo, television, cable box
Devices unlikely to draw standby power
- any appliance that has a mechanical switch that closes an electronic circuit in order to work
- overhead lights, lamps, and many kitchen appliances like mixers or toasters
