Phantom or standby power consumption is a type of electrical consumption that occurs when appliances are plugged into the electrical grid, even if we are not using them. This consumption occurs in standby mode and can represent between 7% and 11% of a household’s electrical consumption. The appliances that consume the most in standby mode are TV decoders, laptops, mini sound systems, televisions, and microwaves. The cost of phantom consumption depends on the price of the kWh of the electricity tariff, but up to 64 euros per year can be saved by turning off these appliances. To avoid phantom consumption, it is recommended to unplug the devices, unplug the power supply, and use power strips with switches.
What happens if you don’t unplug electronic devices?
If you don’t unplug electronic devices, they will continue to consume energy even if you’re not using them. This consumption is known as phantom or standby consumption and can represent between 7% and 11% of a household’s electrical consumption. In addition, phantom consumption can increase the electricity bill and contribute to climate change.
What happens if I leave an appliance plugged in?
If you leave an appliance plugged in, it will continue to consume energy even if you’re not using it. This consumption is known as phantom or standby consumption and can represent between 7% and 11% of a household’s electrical consumption. In addition, phantom consumption can increase the electricity bill and contribute to climate change.
Why is it important to unplug unused electronic devices?
It is important to unplug unused electronic devices to avoid phantom or standby consumption. This type of consumption can represent between 7% and 11% of a household’s electrical consumption and increase the electricity bill. In addition, phantom consumption contributes to climate change and can reduce the lifespan of appliances.
Appliances that should be unplugged
Below are the appliances that should be unplugged when not in use to avoid phantom or standby consumption:
| Appliance | Standby consumption |
|---|---|
| TV decoder | 6-18 W |
| Laptop | 1-2 W |
| Mini sound system | 5-10 W |
| Television | 1-2 W |
| Microwave | 3-5 W |
In addition to these appliances, it is also recommended to unplug the following electronic devices:
- Phone chargers
- Video game consoles
- Speakers
- Printers
- Internet router
- Internet modem
- DVD and Blu-ray players
- Coffee makers
- Toasters
- Kitchen robots
Our advice
To avoid phantom or standby consumption, it is recommended to unplug appliances when not in use, unplug the power supply, and use power strips with switches. In addition, smart plugs and smart power strips can be used to control the energy consumption of appliances. Unplugging appliances not only saves energy, but also protects appliances against voltage spikes, reduces the risk of electrical fires, and extends the lifespan of devices. In addition, it is recommended to unplug all possible appliances before going on vacation to save energy and reduce the electricity bill by more than 20 euros. With these tips, you can save energy and money in your home.