When we talk about what phantom consumption is, we refer to the electrical energy consumed by any electronic device when it is plugged in but not in use, or on standby. Although these devices are not actively in use, they still consume electricity to power functions such as indicator lights, digital clocks, or remote connection systems. This consumption, although it may seem minimal, adds up over time and can represent a significant part of your electricity bill.
For this reason, let’s explore how you can calculate phantom consumption and how to avoid it.
How to calculate phantom consumption?
With the right tools, calculating phantom consumption is quite simple. In fact, all you need is an electricity meter, which measures the exact consumption of each appliance, even when they are on standby. However, many appliances include their standby consumption in their manuals, usually expressed in watts.
You can also make a manual estimate by multiplying the device’s standby wattage by the number of hours it remains connected daily. Then, multiply this value by the number of days in a month or year to obtain the total consumption. For example, if a television consumes 5 watts in standby mode and remains in this state for 20 hours a day, the calculation would be:
5 watts × 20 hours × 30 days = 3,000 watts or 3 kWh per month.
How to avoid phantom consumption?
1. Read the energy label
A key tool to know the efficiency of an appliance before purchasing it. As we are in the European Union, all products should carry an energy efficiency label that classifies devices on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Choosing appliances with an A+, A++, or A+++ rating guarantees lower consumption, even when in standby mode.
2. Timers
A highly effective solution to control the operating time of certain devices, preventing unnecessary standby time. With this, you can schedule the automatic disconnection of appliances at specific times, making it ideal for devices used only at certain times of the day, such as:
- Mobile phone and laptop chargers.
- Televisions.
- Electric coffee makers, microwaves, or portable heating systems.
3. Power strips with standby eliminator
These are a practical and cost-effective tool to avoid phantom consumption. These smart power strips automatically detect when connected devices are in standby mode and completely cut off the power supply, eliminating unnecessary consumption. Installation is simple—just connect all electronic devices to the same power strip and ensure it has the standby elimination function.
4. Energy-efficient appliances
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is one of the best ways to reduce phantom consumption from the start. The latest models are designed to minimise energy consumption in standby mode and even have advanced sleep modes that allow intelligent energy use.
When selecting an energy-efficient appliance, consider:
- Automatic shut-off functions: Some devices include systems that turn them off completely after a period of inactivity.
- Energy rating: Opt for models with energy efficiency certifications such as the ENERGY STAR label or A+++ certification.
- Low consumption technology: Modern appliances use more efficient systems to operate with less energy.
5. Remember to unplug when not in use
Yes, it may seem like basic advice, but unplugging devices when they are not in use remains one of the most effective ways to avoid phantom consumption. Many devices, such as chargers, televisions, coffee makers, or routers, continue to consume energy even when not actively functioning. So, it’s better to unplug them when not in use or when leaving home.
6. Install an electricity meter
An electricity meter is very useful if you want to accurately measure how much energy your devices consume, both when in active use and on standby. As mentioned earlier, they are perfect for making a manual estimate.
There are different types of meters, from simple models that plug between the socket and the device to more advanced solutions that allow remote monitoring via mobile apps.
Appliances that consume the most in standby mode
According to data provided by the Consumers and Users Organisation, the appliances that consume the most electricity include tumble dryers, dishwashers, washing machines, televisions, and refrigerators. However, the devices that consume the most in standby mode are as follows:
- Robot vacuum cleaners, consuming up to 23 kWh per year, costing around 21 € annually.
- Voice assistants, such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, with phantom consumption of about 26 kWh per year, equivalent to 24 € annually.
- At the top of the list, gas boilers, with phantom consumption of 27 kWh per year. This equals approximately 25 € annually.
It may seem insignificant, but when adding up these and other appliances, you realise that you end up paying quite a lot for electricity that you are not actually using. Since reducing phantom consumption is a simple task, it’s better to start as soon as possible. With small changes in our daily habits, you can save a significant amount.
