Whether it’s kitchen appliances or components of your entertainment system, there are numerous household items that people keep plugged in all the time. While some products can remain plugged in without issue, this isn’t the case for every appliance due to standby power.
Standby power, also referred to as phantom power, is the electricity that devices consume even when they are switched off. This means that even after you turn off your coffee maker following your morning brew, it may still be drawing energy throughout the day, leading to higher utility bills. To avoid standby power consumption and reduce energy usage, it’s important to unplug these household items when not in use.
1. Small Kitchen Appliances
Running kitchen appliances, including small ones, can accumulate costs quickly. Appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves, which are used once or twice a day, are major culprits as they consume standby power when not in use. For example, even if your microwave isn’t in use, the digital clock continues to draw power. To save energy and money on your utility bill, remember to unplug small kitchen appliances with digital displays after use.
2. Electronics Chargers
If you tend to keep your phone or computer charger plugged in constantly, consider unplugging them when not actively charging to save energy and money. Additionally, leaving chargers plugged in for extended periods can lead to cord damage due to overheating, potentially saving you the hassle and expense of replacing them.
3. Media Console Items
Media consoles often house multiple corded devices that remain plugged in even when not in use. While it may seem harmless to leave items like cable boxes or gaming consoles plugged in overnight, the cumulative cost of standby power consumption can be significant. Unplugging devices such as TVs, cable boxes, computers, and gaming consoles not only saves money but also protects them from power surges during storms.
4. Hot Water Circulation Pump
For substantial savings on your electricity bill, consider unplugging your hot water circulation pump during the summer months. Although this may result in cooler water, it can lead to significant energy savings during activities like showering and laundry. Alternatively, you can install a smart recirculation control system or timer to activate the hot water pump only during specific times.
5. Space Heaters
While space heaters are beneficial in cold weather, they consume a considerable amount of energy over time, resulting in higher costs. Since space heaters also consume standby power, remember to unplug them after each use to prevent potential fire hazards and reduce electricity expenses.
By being mindful of standby power consumption and unplugging devices when not in use, you can save both energy and money on your utility bills.
