A new study from the International Energy Agency (IEA) published June 7, 2026, found that leaving seven common household devices plugged in—even when not in use—can account for up to 10% of a home’s annual electricity consumption, costing the average U.S. household $150 to $250 per year. The IEA’s report, based on data from 3,200 smart meters across five states, identified routers, gaming consoles, and smart speakers as the worst offenders.
Seven Devices Responsible for Phantom Energy Waste and Cost-Saving Solutions
The IEA’s findings align with a growing body of research on phantom energy load, or the power consumed by devices in standby mode. While the exact devices vary by household, the agency’s analysis pinpointed seven categories where unplugging or using smart power strips could yield the biggest savings. Here’s what the data shows—and what experts recommend.
1. Routers and Modems: The Silent Power Drains
The IEA report ranked Wi-Fi routers and cable modems as the top contributors to phantom energy use, accounting for $60 to $80 annually per household on average. The issue stems from their constant search for network signals, even when no devices are actively connected.
"A router left plugged in 24/7 can draw 10 to 20 watts—that’s like leaving a 60-watt bulb on for a third of the day," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a senior energy policy researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Initiative. "The problem is worse with older models, which lack efficient standby modes."
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed in a 2025 study that 82% of routers tested consumed unnecessary power when not in use. The solution? Unplug them at night or use a smart outlet that cuts power during off-hours.
2. Gaming Consoles: The High-Wattage Standbys
Gaming consoles—PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch—ranked second in the IEA’s list, with $50 to $70 in annual wasted energy per console. Even in "rest mode," these devices maintain connections to online services, cloud saves, and parental controls.
"A PlayStation 5 in rest mode draws 15 watts, while an Xbox Series X can hit 25 watts," according to Ars Technica’s benchmark tests from May 2026. "That’s equivalent to running a small fridge for a few hours a day."
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) now recommends using console-specific power-saving modes or, for heavy users, a smart plug with scheduling to cut power during non-use hours.
3. Smart Speakers and Displays: Always Listening, Always Drained
Voice assistants like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod may seem harmless, but their always-on microphones and cloud syncing keep them drawing power. The IEA estimated these devices contribute $30 to $50 per year in phantom load.
"A single smart speaker left plugged in consumes 5 to 10 watts—not huge alone, but multiply that by three or four devices, and it adds up," said Mark Reynolds, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. "The worst offenders are those with ambient light displays, which never fully turn off."
Manufacturers have responded: Amazon updated its Echo devices in 2025 to include a "Deep Sleep" mode, reducing standby power by 60%. Google and Apple have not yet released similar features.
4. Charging Stations and Power Banks: The Forgotten Drains
Even when not charging a device, wall-mounted charging stations (like those for phones or laptops) and power banks continue to draw power. The IEA found these contribute $20 to $40 annually per household.
"A single USB port left active can pull 0.5 to 2 watts—seems small, but if you have three ports on a dock, that’s 1.5 to 6 watts just waiting," said Tom’s Hardware in its June 2026 review of Anker and Belkin charging stations. "The fix is simple: unplug when not in use."
5. Microwaves and Coffee Makers: The "Off" That Isn’t
Appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters often have digital clocks or standby lights that keep them partially powered. The IEA’s data showed these add $15 to $30 per year in wasted energy.
"A microwave with a digital display can draw 3 to 5 watts even when ‘off,’" according to Energy Star’s 2025 efficiency guidelines. "Coffee makers are worse—some models stay on 24/7 to maintain water temperature, costing $50 or more annually."
The DOE now advises unplugging these appliances overnight or investing in Energy Star-certified models, which cut standby power by up to 50%.
6. TVs and Streaming Devices: The Binge-Watchers’ Nightmare
Even when turned off, smart TVs, Roku boxes, and Fire Sticks draw power for cloud updates, parental controls, and voice assistants. The IEA reported these account for $25 to $45 per year in phantom load.
"A 4K smart TV in standby mode can consume 10 to 15 watts—more than a traditional CRT TV," said The Verge in its 2026 review of LG, Samsung, and Sony models. "Streaming devices like the Fire Stick add another 5 to 10 watts."
The solution? Use a smart power strip that cuts power to the entire setup when not in use, or enable "sleep mode" on newer TVs.
7. Old-School Electronics: The Overlooked Culprits
From VCRs to DVD players to legacy gaming consoles, older electronics often lack modern power-saving features. The IEA’s study found these obsolete devices can still account for $10 to $20 per year in wasted energy—even if they’re rarely used.
"People forget about these because they’re not ‘smart,’ but they’re still drawing power," said Reynolds of Counterpoint Research. "A DVD player left plugged in consumes 5 to 8 watts—not much alone, but if you have three or four, it adds up."
Environmental and Financial Costs of Phantom Energy Load Across U.S. Households
The IEA’s findings come as U.S. households face rising electricity costs, with prices up 12% since 2024 due to grid strain and renewable energy transitions. Phantom energy load isn’t just a financial drain—it’s also a hidden contributor to carbon emissions.
*"If every U.S. household reduced phantom load by just 10%, we’d avoid 3 million metric tons of CO₂ annually—equivalent to taking *650,000 cars off the road," said Dr. Vasquez. "That’s a low-hanging fruit for both savings and sustainability."
The DOE is now pushing for mandatory standby power limits on new electronics, following similar rules in the EU’s 2024 Ecodesign Directive. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy efficiency provisions could accelerate adoption of smart power solutions by 2027.
Emerging Smart Home Technologies and Policy Efforts to Combat Phantom Load
While unplugging devices remains the simplest fix, smart home technology is making it easier. Companies like TP-Link, Kasa, and Nest now offer AI-powered smart plugs that learn usage patterns and cut power automatically.
"By 2027, we expect 30% of U.S. households to use smart power strips or outlets," predicted Counterpoint Research. "The real game-changer will be manufacturer-side fixes—like Amazon’s Deep Sleep mode—rather than consumer behavior."
On the policy front, the FTC is investigating whether misleading "energy-saving" labels on electronics are contributing to phantom load. Meanwhile, California’s energy commission has proposed new efficiency standards for routers and gaming consoles, with a vote expected by November 2026.
Practical Steps for Households to Reduce Energy Waste and Lower Bills
The IEA’s study confirms what energy experts have long warned: phantom energy load is a silent but significant drain. For most households, the fix is simple—unplug, use smart strips, or upgrade to Energy Star-certified models.
"You don’t need to become an energy auditor," said Reynolds. "Just start with the seven devices we identified. The savings add up faster than you’d think."
For those willing to go further, smart home automation—like Google Home or Apple HomeKit schedules—can handle the work automatically. Either way, the message is clear: what you don’t use, you shouldn’t pay for.
