Standby power runs 24/7/365, which is exactly why small wattages from 'off' devices compound into a real annual cost.
Why standby power adds up more than it seems
Most active appliance use is measured in hours per day. Standby power is different — it runs every single hour of the year, whether you're home or not, awake or asleep. A device drawing just 3-5W constantly racks up more total energy over a year than most people expect from something that's technically "off."
The usual suspects
Game consoles left in "instant-on" mode, cable and satellite boxes, older TVs, and desktop computers left in sleep mode are typically the biggest offenders, sometimes drawing 10-30W even when appearing fully off. Chargers left plugged in without a device attached, and appliances with always-on clock displays (microwaves, ovens) add smaller but real amounts on top.
The fix costs nothing
Smart power strips cut power to peripheral devices when a main device (like a TV) is powered down, effectively eliminating standby draw for the whole group without manually unplugging anything each time. For consoles specifically, disabling instant-on/rest mode in favor of a full power-down trades a few seconds of boot time for meaningfully lower standby cost — see the gaming console running cost calculator to see exactly how much that mode is costing you.
Run your own numbers
Count up your home's always-plugged-in devices and their approximate standby wattage (check the label or a quick search for your specific model), then run it through the phantom load calculator — most people are surprised by the total once every device is added up rather than considered individually.
Frequently asked questions
How much does phantom load typically add to a bill?
Studies commonly estimate standby power makes up roughly 5-10% of a typical home's electricity bill, though it varies significantly based on how many always-on devices a household has.
Do smart power strips actually work well?
Yes — they detect when a main device (like a TV) powers down and cut power to connected peripherals (game consoles, soundbars, DVD players), effectively eliminating their standby draw automatically.