When a microwave oven is plugged into a power socket but not in use or turned on, it will generally consume a small amount of electricity. This small amount of electricity is often referred to as "standby power" or "phantom power." Standby power is the energy consumed by an appliance even when it's not actively performing its primary function.
The exact amount of standby power consumed by a microwave oven can vary depending on the model and its energy efficiency. However, it is typically quite low, usually in the range of a few watts.
To minimize standby power consumption, you can consider the following steps:
Unplug the microwave: If you don't plan to use the microwave for an extended period, such as when you're away from home or not using it regularly, you can unplug it from the power socket. This ensures that no standby power is consumed.
Use a power strip or timer: You can connect the microwave to a power strip with an on/off switch or use a timer to automatically cut off power to the microwave when it's not needed. This way, you can easily turn off the power supply and prevent standby power consumption.
Look for energy-efficient models: When purchasing a new microwave oven, you can consider energy-efficient models that have lower standby power consumption. Look for appliances with Energy Star ratings or energy-saving features.
While the standby power consumption of a microwave oven is generally minimal, taking these steps can help reduce unnecessary electricity usage and contribute to overall energy conservation.