05/05/2022
Did you know that your appliances actually still use energy even when they are turned off but still plugged in, according to Energy.gov. Whether the device is switched off or in standby mode, some of the worst offenders are:
- A device that may still use energy in the form of permanently on lights or other displays showing the device is off
- Computers that were simply put into sleep mode
- Chargers that still draw power even if the device is not connected
- Media players that continually draw power, especially ones that still might scan for updates in the background
- Phones with displays that show when not in active use, like cordless phones
- New smart home appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers that have always-on displays, internet connectivity and electronic controls
Many people are shocked to realize how much standby power can add up. Standby power accounts for 5-10% of residential energy use. Unplugging devices could save the average household up to $100 per year. Consumers should also look into into purchasing Energy Star products. Most of these products are rated to have lower standby power use than products that are not rated by Energy Star.
