In most cases, yes, electricity does flow through appliances when they are turned off but still plugged in. This phenomenon is known as "standby power" or "phantom power." When an appliance is plugged into an electrical outlet, it remains connected to the electrical circuit, even if it's powered off or in standby mode.
Many modern appliances, including fridges and freezers, have electronic components and displays that consume a small amount of electricity to maintain settings, clock functions, or other features even when the main power is turned off. These standby features enable the appliance to respond quickly when you turn it back on, as it doesn't need to go through a complete power-up sequence.
The amount of electricity used by appliances in standby mode is relatively low, but it can add up over time, especially if you have multiple appliances with standby features plugged in. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power can account for up to 10% of a household's electricity consumption.
To reduce standby power consumption, you can take the following steps:
Unplug appliances: When appliances are not in use for an extended period, consider unplugging them from the power outlet. This prevents any electricity flow and helps save energy.
Use power strips: Connect appliances to power strips with on/off switches. When you're not using the appliances, turn off the power strip to cut off electricity flow to all devices connected to it simultaneously.
Energy-efficient appliances: When purchasing new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR certified products, as they are designed to use less energy in standby mode.
Check the manual: Review the user manual of your appliances to see if there are any specific instructions on minimizing standby power consumption.
It's worth noting that certain appliances, like some older models or those with mechanical controls, may not draw any significant power when turned off. However, many modern appliances with electronic components and features will have some level of standby power consumption. To ensure energy efficiency and save on electricity costs, it's a good practice to unplug appliances or use power strips to cut off power when they are not in use for an extended period.