If you’ve ever wondered whether your appliances are using electricity when they’re plugged in but turned off, you’re not alone.
Many people have the same question, and it’s a valid one! After all, if appliances are drawing power even when they’re not in use, that can add up to a lot of wasted electricity and an increased power bill.
Luckily, we’ve got the answer for you. Read on to find out whether appliances really do use electricity when they’re turned off.
Do Appliances Draw Electricity When They’re Off?
Yes, appliances still draw electricity even when you think they’re off!
It’s true! Even if an appliance is turned off, it’s still using a small amount of power if it’s plugged into an outlet.
Believe it or not, even if you think an appliance is completely turned off, it may still be using a little bit of electricity. This is known as “phantom power” or “standby power,” and it happens when electrical devices are plugged in and don’t reach a complete state of shutdown.
That small amount of energy can really add up over time—especially if you’re not aware that this is happening. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on standby power and help reduce your energy bill in the long run.
Unplugging devices whenever you’re done with them is a great way to stay on top of phantom power.
How Much Power Is Used by Standby Power?
Standby power can account for up to 10% of your home’s total energy usage, so it’s important to be aware of it.
Reducing the amount of energy used in a home is essential in order to lower utility bills and do our part for the environment.
Fortunately, there are some simple solutions for reducing your standby power usage.
Using a power strip with an integrated switch makes cutting off power quick and convenient, and you won’t be leaving something plugged in by mistake. Cutting back on standby power is a great way to help reduce the size of your carbon footprint while also saving you money!
By being mindful of standby power, you can save money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.
Reducing your carbon footprint is a great way to help the environment while also saving money. And one of the best things you can do is be mindful of standby power consumption.
Unplugging these items or using surge protectors that cut off the power when devices are not in use can save a significant amount on your energy bills each month even though it may seem insignificant. Even if it’s just a few watts here and there, those small drops add up to the ocean of energy conserved over time – and can make all the difference for your wallet, as well as the planet!
As with all blog posts and things you read on the internet, we recommend contacting a certified professional when it comes to assisting you.
If you are in the Northeast Ohio area, we recommend the certified electricians of AC Electric!
