Standby Power Cost Calculator
Devices that are "off" still draw power around the clock. Set the quantities you own and see the yearly bill.
| Device (typical standby draw) | Watts | Qty | $/year |
|---|
Total standby cost
| Continuous standby draw | — |
| Energy per year | — |
| Cost per month | — |
| Cost per year | — |
Typical standby wattages are mid-range figures from published measurement studies (LBNL standby power data and manufacturer specs); your devices may differ. Edit the watts column if you've measured yours. Rates: EIA, April 2026.
How this is calculated
Each device draws its standby wattage 24 hours a day: kWh per year = watts × 8,766 ÷ 1000 (8,766 = hours in an average year). Multiply by quantity and your rate, sum over devices. Devices you actively use part of the day (TVs, consoles) are counted here only for their idle hours' standby draw — active use belongs in the electricity cost calculator.
FAQ
What is standby (vampire) power?
Electricity drawn while devices are switched "off" or idle — keeping clocks, remotes, network connections, and instant-on features alive. Studies attribute roughly 5–10% of residential electricity use to standby loads.
Which devices waste the most?
Cable/satellite DVR boxes (10–20 W), game consoles in "instant on" mode, AV receivers, and soundbars. Phone chargers draw under 0.5 W each — the myth is bigger than the number.
How do I cut standby costs?
Put device clusters on a switchable power strip or smart plug, disable "instant on" modes, and unplug rarely-used gear. Energy-monitoring smart plugs show each device's true draw.
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