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Phantom consumption: what it is, how to spot it, and how to reduce it at home
This Halloween, it’s not just the spirits hiding in the dark you need to fear... but also the ones creeping onto your electricity bill. Phantom consumption—that silent expense from electrical appliances that are turned off but still plugged in—could be lurking in your home without you even noticing.
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Phantom electricity consumption—also known as standby power—is the energy used by electronic devices when they’re turned off or in standby mode but still plugged into the mains or a power outlet. Even when not in use, these devices continue to consume small amounts of power.
This ‘invisible consumption’ can significantly add to your electricity bill. In fact, according to the Spanish Government’s Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), phantom consumption accounts for 7% to 11% of a household’s electricity usage, roughly 300 kWh per year. That’s why it’s essential to know how much energy each device consumes when it’s plugged in. Each device draws different amounts of power in standby mode, so knowing their standby consumption can help you take the most effective measures to prevent phantom consumption and save on your monthly bill.
What is phantom consumption or standby power?
Many devices draw small amounts of electricity while in standby or sleep mode. This happens because their transformer has two coils (primary and secondary), with the primary coil always remaining active and connected to the power grid. This leads to energy consumption due to electrical resistance in that coil.
The easiest way to tell if a device is using phantom power is the red standby light on devices such as televisions and game consoles. This light indicates that the device is in standby mode or not fully turned off. However, when devices do not have this red light, we might not realise that they are silently consuming electricity.
The purpose of standby mode is to keep devices semi-active so they can quickly resume where they left off. Computers are commonly used in this mode, as they are often used intermittently or with frequent interruptions.
How much does phantom consumption cost a household?
Some electronic devices consume more standby power than others, depending on factors such as their model, system, and components. A study by the Spanish Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) found that robot vacuum cleaners are the biggest standby energy users, drawing 23 kWh per year when idle. Next on the list are microwaves (22 kWh), computers (16 kWh), and game consoles (15 kWh), while televisions are among the lowest, at about 2 kWh per year.
Microwaves and coffee makers keep drawing power because they have digital clocks or programmable functions, while game consoles and audio equipment do so because they remain in low-energy mode to receive remote signals.
What about phantom consumption by refrigerators and freezers? Since these appliances need to stay on around the clock, it’s not possible to unplug them for a few hours. One option for controlling their invisible consumption is to adjust their temperature settings.
How to spot phantom consumption at home
There are several practical and simple measures to avoid or reduce standby consumption:
Unplug appliances you aren't using
Even when they're turned off, many devices stay connected to the mains and constantly use energy. This happens with devices like televisions, printers, coffee makers, game consoles, and chargers. If you aren't going to use them for a long period—for example, when you leave the house or go to bed—the most effective thing to do is unplug them. This simple action can help you reduce phantom consumption without needing to invest in additional technology.
Use power strips with switches
Power strips with switches are a practical solution for cutting the electricity supply to several appliances at once. They are especially useful in areas where many devices are grouped together, such as the television, router, game console, or sound system. Some advanced power strips include systems that detect inactivity and automatically disconnect standby devices, preventing them from continuing to use energy unnecessarily.
Install smart plugs or timers
Smart plugs allow you to control the flow of electricity from your mobile, schedule on/off times, or even monitor the consumption of each appliance. Timers, on the other hand, are ideal for cutting the power at specific times, such as at night or when you are out of the house. They are particularly useful for appliances like electric water heaters, printers, or microwaves, which often remain plugged in needlessly.
Deactivate 'standby' or 'quick start' mode
Many devices include sleep functions that keep certain components active to resume operation quickly. Although convenient, this mode involves constant power consumption. By going into the settings menu, you can deactivate standby mode on computers, televisions, or game consoles and opt for a complete shutdown. This stops the appliance from drawing unnecessary energy while you aren't using it.
Which appliances consume the most electricity when turned off?
According to studies by the OCU and IDAE, the devices that consume the most on standby are as follows:
| Appliance | Annual standby consumption |
|---|---|
| Printer | 52,6 kWh |
| WiFi Router | 35 kWh |
| Stereo system | 35 kWh |
| Robot vacuum | 23 kWh |
| Microwave | 22 kWh |
| Computer | 16 kWh |
| Game console | 15 kWh |
| Television | 2 kWh |
Benefits of reducing phantom consumption
Reducing standby consumption not only translates into financial savings, but it also has a positive impact on your home and the environment:
- Savings on your electricity bill: by eliminating unnecessary consumption, you can reduce your annual energy spending by up to 15%, especially if you have many devices permanently connected.
- Smaller environmental footprint: by consuming less electricity, you also reduce the emissions associated with power generation, contributing to a more sustainable energy model.
- Greater home safety: unplugging appliances that are not in use reduces the risk of overheating, short circuits or electrical faults, especially in older devices or those with transformers.
- Total control over your consumption: by identifying which appliances consume energy on standby and taking steps to manage them, you improve your energy efficiency and make more informed decisions about your daily consumption.
This Halloween, save yourself the scares and get a 20% discount on your electricity and gas consumption. Come to Endesa—no tricks, only treats.
Does phantom consumption appear on the bill?
Yes. Although it is not shown as a separate item, phantom consumption is added to the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) that appear on your bill. In an average home, it can account for 7% to 11% of annual consumption, which is equivalent to about 300 kWh per year. Reducing it is a direct way to pay less without sacrificing comfort.
Does turning off a power strip eliminate phantom consumption?
Yes. When you turn off a power strip with a switch, you completely cut off the flow of electricity to the connected devices. This prevents them from continuing to consume energy in standby mode, even if they appear to be off. It is a simple and very effective solution for areas with multiple appliances, such as the living room or a home office.
Does leaving a charger plugged in, but not in use, waste electricity?
Yes, although the consumption is very low, it still exists. A charger that is plugged in but not in use can consume between 0.1 and 0.5 watts per hour. It may seem insignificant, but if you have several plugged in permanently, the cost adds up over the year. Furthermore, some chargers generate heat even when not charging, which can also affect their durability.
Which appliance consumes the most on standby?
According to OCU studies, the printer is one of the devices that consumes the most energy on standby, at up to 52.6 kWh per year. This is followed by the WiFi router and the stereo system, both with an estimated annual consumption of 35 kWh. Although they may seem inactive, these devices constantly maintain active functions, such as connectivity or receiving signals, which explains their energy demand.
Banish those energy phantoms
Reducing phantom consumption will not only help you keep your electricity bill in check, but it is also an effective way to reduce emissions and make your home more efficient. This Halloween, don't let the 'electrical spirits' hide behind your plugs.
Turn on your lights without any frights this Halloween with the best price from Endesa. Save on your bill by signing up online, with a stable price and no fixed-term contract, forever!
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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