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Has Your Home Become A Slave to Standby Power?

(394 words)

How many remote controls does your home have? What about devices that use battery chargers? Do you have digital clocks in virtually every room of the house?

The common link between these products is that they use standby power – a continuous supply of electricity even when the product is turned off or not actively being used. Standby power is eating away at your household energy budget, not to mention creating unnecessary pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Some features enabled by standby power are useful, but a quick look around your home might get you wondering whether the cost is worth the convenience.

Look beyond the obvious – the television. A DVD/VCR player and a cable set-top box are constantly on standby to receive a signal from a remote control. Does your home have a treadmill or elliptical machine? If it's plugged in, it's drawing power 24/7. What about remote-controlled ceiling fans, window air conditioners or fireplaces, all of which are using energy all the time? Portable phone systems – especially those with more than one recharging station – are another standby power culprit.

You can't completely eliminate standby power use in the home, but you can control the problem. First, unplug equipment when it is not being used, or plug it into a power bar that can easily be turned on or off as needed. You can also avoid buying gadgets that need standby power in the first place.

When shopping for a new television, DVD/VCR player or audio equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR^® symbol. Because consumer electronics are turned off more often than they are on, this equipment is qualified for ENERGY STAR on the basis of its power consumption in standby mode. ENERGY STAR qualified electronics will consume up to 50 percent less electricity than conventional products when they are turned off.

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].