Hi Claudia, don't feel bad, it is somewhat complex and has little to do with science.
How much energy an appliance uses when not actually being "used" depends on many factors. Modern T.V.s are particular sinners as they must have systems always running so as to look for signals from the remote in order to turn on. Anything you can turn on with a remote is also taking power when not "on". Also anything with a clock takes some power to keep that clock running. Anything with an external power supply, "wall wart" or what ever you call it, is also taking power when the wart is plugged in no matter the state of the device its self. Feel the wall wart when the thing is not being used, some of those get fairly warm. Of course be sure it isn't also charging batteries. Most washing machines, dish washers, and so on are probably not doing anything when not being used, hopefully no manufacturere has been so stupid as to make a washer with a clock or a remote! <GRIN> Another way to add to the guessing work is to feel the device in question when it is not working. If it is at all warmer than the surrounding area, then it may be doing something that takes some power. Hope it helps some. Tom Fowle
