Save Money by Stopping Standby
Power Hungry Electrical Item on Standby
- Televisions
- Set-top boxes (e.g. cable or satellite boxes)
- Game consoles
- Computers and computer monitors
- DVD and Blu-Ray players
- DVRs
- Home theatre systems
- Routers and modems
- Charging devices (e.g. cell phone, tablet, e-reader chargers)
- Microwave ovens
Note: The exact amount of power consumed in standby mode can vary greatly based on the specific device, its age, and usage patterns.
No, this list is not ranked in the order of how much power each device uses. The exact amount of power used in standby mode can vary greatly based on several factors such as the specific device, its age, and usage patterns. To determine the exact amount of power consumed by each device, you would need to measure it using a power meter or consult its manufacturer specifications.
Here are a few steps you can take to reduce the amount of power these devices use:
- Unplug devices when not in use: The easiest way to reduce standby power consumption is to unplug devices that are not in use.
- Use a power strip: Consider using a power strip to plug in multiple devices, and then turn off the power strip when those devices are not in use.
- Enable power-saving modes: Many devices have built-in power-saving modes that can significantly reduce standby power consumption.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient devices: Consider upgrading to Energy Star-certified devices, which are designed to be more energy-efficient.
- Set devices to automatically turn off: Some devices, such as televisions and game consoles, can be set to automatically turn off after a certain period of time when not in use.
- Use timers: Use timers to turn off devices that are only needed for a short period of time.
- Disconnect chargers when not in use: Chargers that are left plugged in, even when not charging a device, still consume power in standby mode.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the amount of power consumed by your electrical devices, which can save you money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.
It is difficult to provide an estimate of exactly how much an average household could save per year by reducing standby power consumption, as this would depend on several factors such as the number and type of devices being used, the length of time they are left in standby mode, and the cost of electricity in the specific region.
However, it is estimated that standby power consumption can account for up to 10% of an average household’s electricity usage. By reducing standby power consumption through the steps outlined above, an average household could potentially save a few pounds per year on their energy bills.
It is important to note that while the savings may not seem substantial, reducing standby power consumption can have a significant impact over time, and is also an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.