Phantom Load (Standby Power) Cost Calculator
How much are your electronics costing you while they are turned off? Calculate the annual cost of standby power from TVs, chargers, gaming consoles, and other devices.
Annual Standby Cost
Phantom Load Formula
Annual Cost per Device = Standby Watts x 8,760 hours x Rate ($/kWh) / 1,000
Phantom loads (also called vampire power or standby power) are electricity drawn by devices when they are switched off but still plugged in.
Typical standby power draw:
- Cable/satellite box: 10–20W (worst offender — always on)
- Gaming console: 1–10W
- Smart TV: 1–5W
- Desktop computer: 2–5W
- Phone charger (no phone): 0.1–0.5W
- Microwave: 2–3W (display clock)
The US Department of Energy estimates phantom loads account for 5–10% of home electricity use — about $100–$200/year for the average household.