It is misleading to believe that pushing the ‘OFF’ button on an appliance or device means it is no longer utilising power. This button only allows the appliance to go into Standby, a mode between On and Off still utilising power. It is also a misconception to believe that leaving an appliance in Standby saves electricity compared to completely turning the appliance Off and then back On again [3].

Although some appliances still perform tasks in standby mode (e.g. downloads and recording) this is infrequent and for the majority of appliances a standby mode is completely pointless. By leaving an appliance in standby mode, the user pays for electricity which has absolutely no benefit to the appliance or the user. An analogy of this kind of waste is; once your teeth are cleaned not turning the water off completely, but turning it down slightly waiting for you to come and clean them again! Leaving appliances on standby makes no environmental or economic sense.

What are the Stats?

• In the UK approximately two power stations a year provide energy to appliances left on standby [1]
• 8-10% of electricity utilised in homes powers appliances left on standby [3]
• £740million of power a year is wasted by appliances left in standby mode [3]
• Leaving multiple appliances on standby can cost a consumer up to £100 in wasted electricity a year [2]
• Some appliances left in standby mode can use up to 25-90% of the in use power requirement [3] [4]

Appliances left on Standby

Each appliance, when left in standby mode, utilises a varying quantity of power. Below is a list of some of the most costly (economically and environmentally) appliances when left in standby mode (statistics taken from NIE Energy [2]):

This is not a definitive list, all appliances left in standby utilise power. For further statistics see [2]. Leaving appliances on standby significantly contributes towards an increasing carbon footprint. According to the Energy Saving Trust [5] [1], the following CO₂ emission contributions, per year, result from leaving appliances in standby mode:

• Stereos 1,600,000 tonnes
• TV’s 480,000 tonnes
• Games Consoles 390,000 tonnes
• DVD Players 100,000 tonnes
• Set Top Boxes 60,000 tonnes

Reducing Standby

There are two areas for action to reduce the use of standby: the appliances and their users. Appliances are becoming more energy efficient and procurement should be based on this efficiency. As more and more appliances become available on the market buying efficiently is imperative.

As well as benefiting the environment by reducing energy consumption, turning appliances off at the mains directly benefits users, reducing electricity bills. Making the conscious decision to turn appliances off, after use, at the plug would be the ideal solution. Educating others; employees, children, residents and making this practise a habitat will make turning off appliances at the mains ‘the norm’. Having easy access to plugs is another simple measure which encourages turning off at the mains [5].

An alternative option exists in the Standby Saver a product aimed to ensure no energy is used by an appliance when it’s not in use.

Standby Savers

A variety of products exist which allow the user of the appliance to ensure no power is consumed when not in use. For appliances such as TV’s, DVD’s and games consoles a remote operated standby saver can be utilised. Appliances plug into a standby saver, which in turn are plugged into the mains supply. When operated by remote the standby saver turns off the mains supply to the appliance and reinstates this supply when turned on. More than one appliance can plug into a standby saver. The price of this device generally varies between £15-30.

Another version of standby saver can be utilised by Personal Computers and Laptops. This version of the saver plugs directly into the Computer and allows the user to switch to an energy saving mode when not in use. This product should only be used as a temporary energy saving devise and when the PC is not in use for a period of time it should be switched off [6].

References

[1] http://www.generous.org.uk/actions/home/112/switch-it-off-at-the-plug-dont-stand-by, (2006)

[2] http://www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk/tips.php, (date unknown)

[3] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2007/nov/02/pulltheplugonstandby (2007)

[4] http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/energysaving/Don-t-leave-appliances-standby/article-911563-detail/article.html, (2009)

[5] http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Stop-wasting-energy-and-cut-your-bills/Tips-to-help-you-stop-wasting-energy/Stop-wasting-energy-in-your-living-room, (2010)

[6] http://www.which.co.uk/reviews-ns/ecobutton/index.jsp, (2009)