Methods and devices are provided for managing the transitions between operating modes in a data device. In an illustrative example, a method includes storing, in a control system for a device, a value for a first interval of time. The value indicates a minimum interval of time required for the device to remain in a lower power operating mode to provide energy savings at least equal to an energy cost associated with transitioning between the lower power operating mode and a higher power operating mode. The method further includes receiving a signal that instructs the device to transition from the lower power operating mode to the higher power operating mode. The method also includes ensuring that the device has remained in the lower power operating mode for at least as long as the first interval of time before it transitions to the higher power operating mode.