Phantom load: what 40 plugged-in devices really cost.
We metered 40 common household devices with a Kill-A-Watt P3 P4400 + Emporia Vue circuit-level monitor for 30 days. The aggregate phantom load in a typical US home is 120-180 W average — that's $190-280/yr at the US average $0.175/kWh. Below is the table that tells you which devices are worth unplugging and which are noise.
The big offenders
| Device | Standby W | $/yr @ $0.175 |
|---|---|---|
| Cable DVR / set-top box (DirecTV Genie, Xfinity X1) | 22-35 | $34-$54 |
| PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X (instant-on) | 10-22 | $15-$34 |
| AV receiver (Denon, Yamaha, Sony) | 8-15 | $12-$23 |
| Older laser printer | 5-12 | $8-$18 |
| Powered subwoofer | 5-10 | $8-$15 |
| External USB hard drive | 4-8 | $6-$12 |
| Older microwave (digital clock) | 3-6 | $5-$9 |
| Wi-Fi router (always on) | 6-12 | $9-$18 |
| Modem (always on) | 5-9 | $8-$14 |
| Garage door opener | 2-5 | $3-$8 |
Not worth unplugging
| Device | Standby W | $/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charger (idle, no phone) | 0.05-0.2 | $0.08-$0.30 |
| Amazon Echo Dot / Google Nest Mini | 1.5-2.5 | $2-$4 |
| Modern OLED TV (2022+) | 0.4-0.9 | $0.60-$1.40 |
| Energy Star printer | 0.5-1.5 | $0.80-$2 |
| Modern microwave (no clock) | 0.1-0.5 | $0.15-$0.75 |
The single cheapest fix
An advanced smart power strip ($25-$45) that detects "master device off" and cuts power to peripherals. Common setup: TV plugged into master outlet, AV receiver + game console + soundbar + sub on "switched" outlets. When you turn off the TV, the strip waits 5 seconds and kills the other four.
Typical year-1 savings: $45-$90. ROI under 6 months. The TrickleStar 7-Outlet (UL-listed, used in NV Energy's commercial rebate program) is the reference unit.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does standby power use?
A typical US home: 80-220 W standby = 700-1,900 kWh/yr = $120-330/yr at average rates. 5-10% of total residential use.
Which devices are the biggest phantom loads?
Cable DVRs (22-35 W), game consoles in instant-on (10-22 W), AV receivers, older printers, and external hard drives. Smart speakers and modern TVs are surprisingly low.
Is unplugging chargers worth it?
No. Modern chargers draw 0.05-0.2 W idle = ~$0.20/yr. Focus on the big loads.
Sources: LBNL standby power database (2024 update), in-home metering with Kill-A-Watt P3 P4400 and Emporia Vue, ENERGY STAR labelled-device list. Last reviewed May 12, 2026.