Many households may be unknowingly wasting electricity and money by leaving everyday home appliances on standby. According to real estate expert Eric Bramlett, owner of Bramlett Residential, several common devices continue to draw small amounts of power even when not in active use, which can quietly drive up monthly energy bills.
While these appliances aren’t the chief culprits behind soaring energy costs, Bramlett says that turning them off completely rather than leaving them on standby is a simple yet effective way to conserve energy and reduce utility expenses.
Gaming Consoles
Modern gaming consoles are designed with energy-saving modes, but many users unknowingly leave them in standby mode, where they continue to consume power.
“They can be real energy hogs on standby,” Bramlett noted. “A client of mine saw their energy bills drop after turning off their console when not in use.”
Backing up his advice, the Energy Saving Trust has reported that game consoles can account for up to six percent of a household’s energy usage.
While this may not seem dramatic on its own, the cumulative effect over months or years can lead to significant savings, especially in households with multiple consoles. Updating your console’s software can also improve its energy efficiency.
Cable Boxes
These boxes are another often-overlooked energy drain. Though they seem harmless when idle, they can draw nearly as much power as game consoles while in standby mode.
“A friend of mine found that unplugging their cable box when not in use made a difference in their monthly energy bills,” Bramlett said.
Experts recommend using a timer plug or simply switching them off at the wall when they’re not needed for scheduled recordings.
Refrigerator
Older household appliances, particularly refrigerators, can use far more power than newer, energy-efficient models. Bramlett noted that while it’s not practical to turn off a fridge, upgrading outdated appliances can lead to significant long-term savings.
Wear and tear over time reduces efficiency, which increases electricity use and your bill.
Microwave
It might surprise many to learn that microwave ovens continue to consume energy even when idle, thanks largely to their digital clocks. Though the power draw is small, Bramlett suggests unplugging the device or using a power strip to switch it off when not in use.
“You could lower your electricity bill by simply killing the clock display,” he added.
Desktop computers
Unlike laptops, desktop computers can consume a substantial amount of electricity when left on or in sleep mode. “Don’t even get me started on those,” Bramlett said. “Just shut them down when you’re done using them and watch your bills melt away.”
With many people still working from home, desktops running for hours unnecessarily can add up quickly.
By developing the habit of turning off or unplugging certain appliances when not in use, households can make small adjustments that add up to noticeable savings over time.
