Leaking Electricity in the U.S.: Standby and Off-Mode Power Consumption in Consumer Electronics and Household Appliances

摘要: Many items in homes (and businesses) actually consume electricity when they are thought to be “off.“ You can verify this your own home by touching the wall transformer for cordless telephone, hand-held vacuum, or portable drill - it’s warm. Or observing LED clock display on microwave, TV, VCR, audio system. The consumed a device it is “switched off and not performing its primary function“ known as leaking electricity. average American household leaks an estimated 50 watts of power constantly (Rainer et al. 1996). This amounts nearly 450 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per (i.e., about $40 year) two-thirds energy new refrigerator. costs consumers $3 billion annually.