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ENERGY STAR^® to the Rescue

(366 words)

Standby power consumption has reached epidemic proportions in Canada – but it is a hidden epidemic that is escaping the attention of those most affected, including consumers and homeowners.

Standby power refers to the use of electricity by an appliance, computer, home electronic or other equipment even when the equipment is technically turned off. Many devices use standby power to operate a built-in clock or timer or to respond to a command from a remote control. Battery chargers are another example of a product that consumes power the entire time it is plugged in – even if the cell phone, laptop computer or other device being charged has been disconnected.

The problem is bigger than you might expect. A typical Canadian household can have upwards of 20 pieces of equipment all using standby power at the same time, from microwave ovens and coffee makers to television set-top boxes, exercise machines and rechargeable power tools. That's costing you a lot of money, as well as generating unnecessary pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

To make matters worse, the poor design of some products means that they consume much more energy in standby mode than necessary. Some home electronic products, for example, can use almost as much energy when they are turned "off" as when they are being actively used to entertain the family.

That's why it's a good idea to look for the ENERGY STAR symbol when purchasing products for the home. For example, ENERGY STAR qualified home entertainment products use up to 50 percent less energy in standby mode than non-qualified equipment. An ENERGY STAR qualified computer will typically use 70 percent less electricity than a comparable model without this designation.

For more information on reducing standby power consumption and other ways to save energy and money with ENERGY STAR, visit energystar.gc.ca or for free publications call 1 800 387-2000.

Buying energy-efficient products helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The end result is more money in your pocket and a better environment for everyone, including future generations. To find out more about the Government of Canada's initiatives to help reduce the consequences of climate change, visit ecoaction.gc.ca [This link opens a new window].