• Most electronic devices have three modes of operation - active, passive and off.
• Passive is where an appliance is in stand-by mode and can be restarted by a remote control or by another form of input signal (such as an incoming message).
• Energy is still consumed when in stand-by mode and this may be significant if the appliance is only used actively a few hours a day and is in passive mode for the remaining hours.
• Manufacturers have agreed to reduce the consumption in stand by mode and this development is on-going.
• Since the number of electronic appliances per household is increasing it is important to conserve energy by choosing appliances with low stand by power.

Cost

The cost of such appliances is generally related to functionality and performance and not to energy consumption.

Models with low stand by power can be identified by the GEA or energy star label.

Good practice

• A red light on an appliance shows it is in stand by mode and so appliance should be switched off if not in use.
• Switch off appliances when they are not being used such as the TV or printer.
• Ensure that the automatic stand-by and screen saver of your personal computer is activated.

For hints on saving energy with other appliances please click here.