Did you know that up to 12% of your electricity bill is due to appliances that are “off”? This phantom or standby consumption represents a silent expense that, in 2025, remains a challenge for energy efficiency in homes. Identifying the main culprits and implementing practical solutions can save you up to €150 annually.
What is Standby Consumption and Why Does It Matter?
Standby consumption occurs when devices remain plugged in and consume energy to maintain functions such as:
- Digital clocks and LED lights.
- Remote control circuits (infrared or Wi-Fi).
- Slow charging of internal batteries.
- Automatic software updates.
In the European Union, this consumption represents 50 TWh per year, equivalent to the production of 15 nuclear power plants.
Top 10 Appliances with the Highest Phantom Power Consumption (2025)
1. TV Set-Top Box
- Standby power consumption: 20-25 W (equivalent to a continuously lit LED bulb).
- Annual cost: €60-75.
- Why it consumes so much power: Maintains an active connection to the operator’s network and updates the programming guide.
2. Video Game Console (PS5/Xbox Series X)
- Standby power consumption: 10-15 W.
- Annual cost: €30-45.
- Main cause: “Fast sleep” mode that allows background downloads.
3. Desktop Computer
- Standby power consumption: 5-8 W.
- Annual cost: €15-25.
- Reason: Power supplies that maintain minimum current for quick recovery.
4. Microwave with Digital Display
- Standby power: 5-7 W.
- Annual cost: €15-20.
- Explanation: Digital clock and control circuitry that remain permanently active.
5. Modern TV (OLED/QLED)
- Standby power: 3-5 W.
- Annual cost: €10-15.
- Main reason: Motion sensors for voice activation and software updates.
6. Automatic Coffee Maker with Display
- Standby power: 2-4 W.
- Annual cost: €6-12.
- Why: Maintains base temperature and time programming.
7. Wi-Fi 6/6E Router
- Standby power: 5-8 W.
- Annual cost: €15-25.
- Reason: Continuous operation to maintain multiple connections and data transfer.
8. Smart Speaker (Google Home/Alexa)
- Standby power consumption: 2-3 W.
- Annual cost: €6-9.
- Reason: Constant processing of voice commands and cloud connection.
9. Air Conditioner with Wi-Fi
- Standby power consumption: 3-6 W.
- Annual cost: €9-18.
- Explanation: Remote control and time-scheduling circuits are active.
10. Modern Laptop Charger
- Standby power consumption: 1-2 W.
- Annual cost: €3-6.
- Reason: Transformers that maintain residual current even when the device is not connected.
*All calculations based on an electricity rate of €0.35/kWh and continuous operation for 365 days.*
Practical and Technological Solutions
1. Smart Power Strips with Master-Slave Control
- How they work: They detect when the main device (e.g., TV) is turned off and cut off power to peripherals (game console, speakers).
- Recommended models: Brennenstuhl PM 2 LED (€25), TP-Link KP303 (€40).
- Estimated savings: €50-€70/year for an average home.
2. Programmable Smart Plugs
- Features: Controlled by app or voice (Alexa/Google Home).
- Ideal use: Schedule automatic shutoff at night or during extended absences.
- Example: Meross Wi-Fi Smart Plug (€15/unit).
3. Eco Settings on Devices
- Televisions: Activate “power saving mode” (reduces standby to <0.5W).
- Consoles: Deactivate “fast sleep” (which consumes 10-15W).
- Router: Schedule automatic shutdown (e.g., from 2:00 to 6:00 AM).
4. 2025 Regulations and Labeling
- EU EcoDesign 2025: 0.5W limit for all new devices.
- A+++ Standby Label: Identifies products with <0.3W consumption.
Emerging Technologies
- Plugs with integrated solar panels: Energy autonomy for small devices.
- Presence sensors: They cut off the power when they don’t detect movement in the room.
- Energy blockchain: Allows you to track and offset phantom consumption with renewables.
Myths to Debunk
- “Unplugging and plugging back in uses more”: False, the energy peak is minimal.
- “New devices don’t consume much”: Only if they are Class A++ certified.
- “It’s not worth the effort”: In 5 years, you save the equivalent of an efficient appliance.
Global Environmental Impact
- CO₂ emissions: 200 million tons per year from global standby consumption.
- Resources: Equivalent to the electricity consumption of Australia and Poland combined.
4-Step Home Energy Audit
- Consumption meter (e.g., OWSOO Electricity Monitor for €20).
- Check each plug for 24 hours.
- Prioritize devices >5W on standby.
- Establish a shutdown or automation plan.
“The cleanest energy is the one that isn’t consumed. Unplugging is the first step toward real efficiency.” — IDAE (Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings).
