The real cost of keeping appliances plugged-in when not in use
How much are all of your plugged in appliances costing you? We explain the financial impact of leaving devices on standby and how you can save energy and money by using your smart tech, smarter.
Do appliances in standby mode use electricity?
The simple answer is yes, they do.
Standby mode is a low-power state that electronic devices enter into when they’re not in use but are still plugged in. In standby mode, devices continue to consume a small amount of electricity, which is also known as standby power or vampire power.
How much could you save by turning appliances off at the plug?
According to research by the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK household spends around £30 per year on standby power consumption. This might not seem like a significant amount, but it can add up over time, especially if you have multiple devices that are left plugged in and in standby mode.
So, which appliances use electricity when in standby mode?
Some of the most common culprits include TVs, computers, laptops, game consoles, and set-top boxes. Even appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters can consume standby power when they’re not in use but are still plugged in.
Reducing standby power consumption is relatively easy, and there are several steps you can take to minimise your electricity usage and save on your energy bills.
Firstly, unplug any devices that you don’t need to keep plugged in all the time, like phone chargers or small appliances.
Secondly, use power strips to turn off multiple devices at once, especially when you’re not using them for extended periods. This is especially helpful for home entertainment systems, which tend to have a lot of devices that can be turned off with one switch.
Thirdly, look for appliances that have an energy-saving mode or eco-friendly settings. Many modern devices, including TVs and game consoles, have power-saving modes that reduce the amount of electricity they consume when in standby mode. You can also choose to invest in energy-efficient appliances that have been awarded the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label or an A energy rating.
How to reduce your standby power consumption
Unplug any device not in use.
Use multi-plug adapters to switch off multiple appliances at once
Use energy saving mode when possible
Appliances in standby mode do use electricity, and this can add up to significant energy usage and cost over time. By following the above steps, you can minimise your standby power consumption, reduce your energy bills and help to protect the environment by conserving energy.
Talk to Residential Energy Services to find out if you are eligible for even more energy saving and money saving improvements to your home.