Phantom Load Calculator
Standby power (phantom load) costs the average US household $100–$200 per year. Enter your total standby wattage to see what it's costing you — or use the reference table to build an estimate device by device.
Last verified: April 27, 2026
Your phantom load cost
- Annual cost
- $76.26
- Monthly cost
- $6.36
- Daily cost
- $0.21
- Energy wasted per year
- 438 kWh
Based on 24-hour standby draw, 365 days/year. Actual cost depends on device usage patterns.
Build your estimate: common device standby watts
Click a device's wattage to add it to your running total in the calculator above.
| Device | Standby watts | Annual cost (US avg) | Add |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable / satellite box | 17 W | $25.99/yr | |
| Home theatre receiver / AV amp | 20 W | $30.57/yr | |
| Game console (PS5 / Xbox rest mode) | 10 W | $15.29/yr | |
| Game console (PS5 / Xbox fully off) | 0.5 W | $0.76/yr | |
| Smart TV (standby) | 1 W | $1.53/yr | |
| Desktop computer (sleep) | 7 W | $10.70/yr | |
| Desktop monitor (standby) | 1 W | $1.53/yr | |
| Laptop (sleep, plugged in) | 15 W | $22.93/yr | |
| Microwave (with clock) | 3 W | $4.59/yr | |
| Coffee maker (with clock) | 1 W | $1.53/yr | |
| Phone charger (no phone) | 0.5 W | $0.76/yr | |
| Printer (sleep) | 4 W | $6.11/yr | |
| Wi-Fi router | 8 W | $12.23/yr | |
| Smart speaker (e.g. Echo) | 2 W | $3.06/yr | |
| Electric kettle (plugged in) | 1 W | $1.53/yr | |
| Garage door opener | 5 W | $7.64/yr |
Standby wattages are typical ranges from manufacturer data and DOE measurements. Your specific model may differ.
How this is calculated
Phantom load cost is calculated from continuous standby wattage drawn 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Annual kWh = Standby watts ÷ 1,000 × 8,760 hours/year
Annual cost = Annual kWh × Rate per kWh
Example: 50 W ÷ 1,000 × 8,760 × $0.1745 = $76.26/yearAssumptions
- Devices are assumed to draw standby power continuously (24/7)
- No adjustment for devices that are fully unplugged or on smart strips
- Rate is flat — no tiered or time-of-use pricing
- Actual standby draw varies by model and firmware
Frequently asked questions
What is phantom load (standby power)? ▾
Phantom load — also called standby power, vampire power, or idle current — is the electricity consumed by devices when they're switched off or in standby mode. A TV in standby still draws 1–5 watts. Across a whole home, this can add up to $100–$200 per year.
How do I measure my device's standby power? ▾
The most accurate way is a plug-in electricity monitor (like a Kill A Watt meter), which shows real-time watts. Leave the device in standby, plug the meter in between the device and the outlet, and read the watts. For typical values, use our reference table below.
Which devices have the highest phantom load? ▾
The biggest offenders are typically older desktop computers and monitors (1–10W each), cable/satellite boxes (15–25W), gaming consoles (0.5–11W), home theatre receivers (10–25W), and microwave ovens with clocks (2–5W).
What is the best way to eliminate phantom load? ▾
Smart power strips cut power automatically when a main device (TV, computer) is off. Plugging devices into a switched power bar and turning it off is equally effective. Smart plugs with schedules work well for devices that have strict usage patterns.
How much does standby power cost per year on average? ▾
The US Department of Energy estimates that standby power accounts for 5–10% of residential electricity use. At the US average rate, that is roughly $100–$200 per year for a typical household.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electric Power Monthly — US average residential electricity rate ($0.1745/kWh) (last checked 2026-04-27)
- U.S. DOE — Standby Power Summary Table — Typical device standby wattage reference values (last checked 2026-04-27)
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — Standby Power — Research basis for phantom load estimates and household averages (last checked 2026-04-27)