The Hidden Costs of Standby Power

An estimate of annual costs of your devices based on three power states: Off Mode (powered down but plugged in), Standby Mode (ready for use), and Active Use (turned on and in use). All calculations are based on an electricity rate of 40ยข/kWh.

Annual Cost by Device and Mode

This bar chart provides a clear comparison of the estimated annual costs across all three power modes for each device. Notice how the costs change dramatically depending on how the device is managed.

Detailed Breakdown by Mode

The following tables provide a granular view of the estimated annual energy consumption and cost for each power mode. Costs are based on average power draw and estimated usage patterns.

Off Mode

The cost of devices that are completely powered down but still plugged into the wall.

Device Est. Power Draw Annual Energy (kWh) Annual Cost
Phone charger 0.1 W 0.88 kWh $0.35
Microwave 0.5 W 4.38 kWh $1.75
Google Nest Display 2.0 W 17.52 kWh $7.01
Wi-Fi router 5.0 W 43.80 kWh $17.52
Laptop 3.0 W 26.28 kWh $10.51
PlayStation 0.2 W 1.75 kWh $0.70
Television 0.3 W 2.63 kWh $1.05
Fridge 0.8 W 7.01 kWh $2.80
Kettle 0.0 W 0.00 kWh $0.00
Water Heater 0.0 W 0.00 kWh $0.00
Washing Machine 0.5 W 4.38 kWh $1.75
Drier 0.3 W 2.63 kWh $1.05
Dishwasher 0.7 W 6.13 kWh $2.45
Cooker 0.0 W 0.00 kWh $0.00

Standby Mode

The cost of devices that are in a low-power state, ready to respond to a remote or command.

Device Est. Power Draw Annual Energy (kWh) Annual Cost
Phone charger 0.5 W 4.38 kWh $1.75
Microwave 2.4 W 21.02 kWh $8.41
Google Nest Display 3.5 W 30.66 kWh $12.26
Wi-Fi router 10.0 W 87.60 kWh $35.04
Laptop 7.0 W 61.32 kWh $24.53
PlayStation 3.7 W 32.41 kWh $12.96
Fridge 1.5 W 13.14 kWh $5.26
Kettle 0.5 W 4.38 kWh $1.75
Water Heater 5.0 W 43.80 kWh $17.52
Washing Machine 1.0 W 8.76 kWh $3.50
Drier 1.2 W 10.51 kWh $4.20
Dishwasher 1.5 W 13.14 kWh $5.26
Cooker 3.0 W 26.28 kWh $10.51
Television 5.0 W 43.80 kWh $17.52

Active Use

The cost of devices that are turned on and actively performing their primary function.

Device Est. Daily Usage Est. Power Draw Annual Energy (kWh) Annual Cost
Phone charger 3 hours 5 W 5.48 kWh $2.19
Microwave 10 minutes 800 W 48.80 kWh $19.52
Google Nest Display 4 hours 15 W 21.90 kWh $8.76
Wi-Fi router 24 hours 10 W 87.60 kWh $35.04
Laptop 8 hours 65 W 189.80 kWh $75.92
PlayStation 2 hours 210 W 153.30 kWh $61.32
Television 4 hours 120 W 210.24 kWh $84.10
Fridge 12 hours 150 W 657.00 kWh $262.80
Kettle 15 minutes 2200 W 200.75 kWh $80.30
Water Heater 2 hours 2000 W 1460.00 kWh $584.00
Washing Machine 30 minutes 500 W 91.25 kWh $36.50
Drier 45 minutes 2500 W 570.31 kWh $228.13
Dishwasher 1 hour 1200 W 438.00 kWh $175.20
Cooker 1.5 hours 2000 W 1095.00 kWh $438.00