Printer Standby Power: How Much Electricity an Idle Printer Uses

How much power does an idle printer use?

Printers consume electricity even when they appear to be off. They are always ready to accept print jobs from your computer, phone, or network. The energy used in this idle state is often called standby power. The amount varies by model, but the key is to choose equipment that minimizes it. According to ENERGY STAR, certified imaging equipment "uses the least amount of energy when working, and most importantly, when they are doing nothing!" This highlights that standby efficiency is a critical factor.

Most modern printers are network-connected, as the Printer Working Group notes that 98% of printers sold today support IPP Everywhere. This means they stay alert for incoming print jobs, which requires some power. The good news is that aggressive sleep settings can reduce this draw significantly.

The exact wattage is not standardized, but you can compare models by their ENERGY STAR ratings. Look for certified models that meet strict energy efficiency criteria.

Inkjet vs laser: Comparing standby consumption

As a rule of thumb, laser printers tend to use more standby power than inkjet printers. This is because laser engines rely on a fuser to melt toner onto the paper. The fuser needs to be kept warm or reheated frequently, which adds to the idle draw. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, have a simpler standby profile, since they don't have a continuously heated element. However, inkjet models with a built-in printhead maintenance system may occasionally cycle to keep nozzles clear, which adds short bursts of activity.

When choosing between inkjet and laser for your office, consider how often you print. If you print infrequently, an inkjet can save more in standby. If you print regularly, a laser's higher standby might be offset by faster wake-up times. But the difference is small compared to the energy used during printing itself.

ENERGY STAR criteria require automatic duplexing and power management features, so certified models of both types are designed to minimize idle energy.

Why standby power adds up

Standby power is often called "phantom load" because it is easy to overlook. Even a modest draw, if left running 24/7, contributes to your annual electricity bill. The exact cost depends on your local utility rate and how many devices are left idle. A printer that sits idle in a home office or shared workspace can easily be on for thousands of hours each year. The cumulative effect is real, which is why ENERGY STAR emphasizes energy savings from efficient operation.

This shows that standby energy waste is substantial across the country. By choosing an efficient model and enabling sleep settings, you can reduce your share of this waste. The savings may be small on a per-device basis, but they add up over time, especially if you have multiple devices.

Tips to reduce standby power waste

You can cut idle power without sacrificing convenience. Here are practical steps you can take today.

• Keep sleep settings enabled. ENERGY STAR recommends keeping the maximum energy-saving performance settings as factory defaults.
• Unplug the printer when you won't use it for extended periods, like during vacations.
• Use a power strip to turn off the printer and peripherals together.
• Choose ENERGY STAR certified printers when buying new.
• For laser printers, consider a model with a quick-start fuser that reduces warm-up time and energy.
• Recycle old printers responsibly through a certified e-waste program, as suggested by the US EPA.

What to look for in an energy-efficient printer

When shopping for a new printer, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment meets strict energy efficiency criteria that cover sleep mode, standby, and off modes. They also include automatic duplexing to save paper, which indirectly saves energy. The energy savings can be up to 35 percent compared to conventional equipment.

Also consider the connectivity features. A printer that supports IPP Everywhere can be managed centrally, which may allow IT to enforce energy-saving settings across a fleet. The Printer Working Group notes that IPP Everywhere allows for cloud and managed printing, which can help optimize energy use.

Read the product specs for power consumption values. Many manufacturers list typical power draw in watts for each mode. Compare these numbers, but remember that test methods vary. Look for models with an explicit "sleep power" figure. Our printer energy star guide explains the certification in more detail, and the eco-mode printers guide covers built-in power saving features. For specific models, check our best all-in-one printers guide.

How to check your printer's standby power

If you want to measure your current printer's consumption, you can use an in-line power meter. Plug the printer into it and wait for it to enter sleep mode, then read the wattage. This gives you a real-world figure for your specific usage. However, you don't need to measure to know that standby power exists; just follow the tips above to minimize it.

Keep in mind that even in sleep mode, your printer may draw a small amount of power to maintain network connectivity and memory. If you want zero draw, unplug it or use a switched outlet.

For network printers, consider turning them off at night or on weekends, especially in small offices. With IPP Everywhere, they will reconnect quickly when needed. For more on connectivity, see our printer connectivity options guide or the best wireless printers roundup.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do printers use electricity when they are off?

Unless unplugged, yes. "Off" often means standby. Use a power strip to truly disconnect the printer from the wall.

How much does standby power cost?

It adds to your bill, but the exact amount depends on the wattage and your electricity rate. Check your printer's spec sheet for standby wattage and multiply by hours of use.

Should I turn off my printer every night?

It's a good idea if you don't need immediate printing. Modern printers wake quickly, and this can meaningfully reduce standby waste.

Are ENERGY STAR printers worth it?

Yes, they meet strict criteria to use less energy in all modes, including standby. The savings can be up to 35 percent compared to conventional equipment.

Do laser printers always use more standby power than inkjet?

Generally yes, due to the fuser, but modern designs minimize this. Check the spec sheet for sleep mode wattage to compare specific models.

Can I reduce standby power without disabling features?

Yes, enable sleep mode and allow the printer to go to deep sleep after a short period. Most devices have adjustable timeout settings.