What phantom electricity consumption is and how to avoid it

This ‘invisible consumption’ can significantly add to your electricity bill. In fact, according to 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 important 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 causes phantom consumption?

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 often used in this mode, as they are often used intermittently or with frequent interruptions.

Examples of phantom consumption: Which devices consume the most energy in standby mode?

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 can I avoid phantom electricity consumption?

There are several practical and simple measures to avoid or reduce standby consumption:

• Unplug devices when not in use.

• Use switchable power strips that let you turn off multiple devices at once. There are now special power strips with standby eliminators. Two popular types are available: one features a main socket that automatically turns off or disconnects the device when it detects a decrease in power usage or demand from the plugged-in device. Another type includes a receiver that can be set up to turn the power strip on and off using a specific button on the TV remote control. Turning off the TV will automatically cut power to all connected devices. The devices will be reactivated when you turn it on again. 

• Invest in smart plugs, which allow you to control power remotely. For example, timers will automatically turn off devices you're not using at night, such as the TV, printer, scanner, game console, or electric water heater.

• Choose devices with energy efficiency certifications, as they usually have lower phantom consumption.

• You can check the standby consumption of household appliances before purchasing them. This information can be found on the energy label provided by manufacturers on each device.

Reducing phantom consumption will not only help lower your electricity bills but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions.  In addition to choosing the most energy-efficient appliances and investing in devices that help control standby consumption, it's also important to understand your behaviour as a consumer. This will help you choose the best plan or tariff for your lifestyle. In Endesa’s catalogue, you'll find electricity tariffs that are sure to suit your needs.