|
Appliance
|
Avg. Standby Power
|
Annual Cost (at $0.15/kWh)
|
Annual CO₂ Savings*
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Space heater (off but plugged)
|
2 watts
|
~$2.60
|
~4 lbs
|
|
Phone charger (idle)
|
0.5 watts
|
~$0.65
|
~1 lb
|
|
Coffee maker with clock
|
3 watts
|
~$3.90
|
~6 lbs
|
|
TV + entertainment setup
|
30 watts
|
~$39.00
|
~60 lbs
|
|
Microwave + small appliances
|
10 watts
|
~$13.00
|
~20 lbs
|
|
TOTAL (typical household)
|
~45 watts
|
~$59/year
|
~90 lbs
|
*CO₂ estimates based on U.S. average grid emissions; varies by region.
💡 Perspective: $59/year may not seem huge—but over 10 years, that’s nearly $600 saved. And 90 lbs of CO₂ is like taking a car off the road for 100 miles.
🛠️ Make Unplugging Easy: Smart Strategies That Stick
Use Power Strips Strategically
|
Setup
|
Benefit
|
|---|---|
|
Master-switch power strip
|
Turn off multiple devices with one flip (ideal for entertainment centers)
|
|
Smart plug with timer
|
Automate on/off cycles for coffee makers, chargers, or lamps
|
|
Surge-protecting strip
|
Adds safety during storms while making unplugging easier
|
|
Label cords
|
Use tape or tags to identify devices—no more guessing which plug is which
|