bad habit
Across many homes, devices in standby mode quietly drain electricity, adding a hidden line to monthly bills. Industry experts note that even when not actively in use, many appliances remain powered and consume energy. This is a common habit that can be curbed with simple changes around the house.
In standby, electronics continue to draw power. Turning off devices when leaving a room or home is not only a way to save energy but also a prudent safety measure. Chargers, phones, and other small power supplies can overheat in certain conditions, creating a potential fire risk. Shutting everything down when it isn’t needed reduces the chance of overheating and helps protect the property.
There is also a risk tied to steady, low-level power draw from multiple devices. When many items stay on at all times, a surge can occur during a spike in electricity use, potentially compromising equipment and even increasing the risk of fire in the home.
invisible kilowatts
Older televisions may consume about 2–3 watts in standby, while newer plasma and LCD models typically use around 4–6 watts. In practice, many TVs stay on standby for long periods, sometimes all night or throughout the day while occupants are away. If a television is left in standby daily, it can contribute roughly 3–12 kWh of extra usage per month, depending on the model and how long it remains idle.
In many cities, electricity costs vary by region, but a representative rate can help estimate impact. If the average price is around 4 rubles per kWh, the standby power for a home TV alone could lead to an extra 12–48 rubles per month. Over a six-month period, that amounts to 144–576 rubles. Small as it may seem, these costs add up across multiple devices.
Turning off a monitor while working at a computer can save energy, while leaving a computer on in sleep mode can still draw power. Estimates suggest a computer in sleep or standby can use up to 0.3 kW, which translates to about 12 kWh of potential overpayment each month if left idle. Printers and scanners also draw power even when switched off, often used briefly each day; powering them down can save an additional 2–3 kWh monthly.
High-wattage tools like hair dryers are among the biggest energy consumers in households. Choosing models with efficient energy use can save as much as 40 kWh per month, a meaningful figure when aggregated across multiple devices and users.
Energy-saving lighting makes a difference too. Lamps that use modern, efficient bulbs can reduce monthly consumption and extend bulb life, potentially saving 50–70 kWh per month depending on usage patterns. A less obvious source of standby drain is the phone charger left plugged in after full charging is complete. Even if the phone is not connected, a continuously plugged charger can consume power, though the annual impact tends to be modest—about 0.4 kWh per year in typical usage, depending on the charger and charging habits.
how to minimize overpayment
Adopting energy-saving practices in homes with essential, minimal equipment can reduce overall consumption by a significant margin. A reduction of roughly 70–140 kWh may be achievable, depending on the mix of appliances and the local price per kWh. For households with additional high-demand devices like air conditioning units, tumble dryers, or dishwashers, the savings will vary based on usage patterns and the efficiency of those appliances.
One practical approach is to use multi-rate electricity meters, which can differentiate rates by time of day. This allows performing energy-intensive tasks during cheaper periods, such as running the washing machine later at night or running the dishwasher during off-peak hours. Updating older household appliances to newer, more energy-efficient models can also yield noticeable savings, since older refrigerators and washing machines typically consume more electricity than their modern counterparts.
Basic habits can have a large impact as well. Avoid plugging in appliances that will not be used in the near term. Use targeted lighting rather than bright, multi-lamp fixtures; floor lamps and table lamps typically use less energy than chandeliers. A holistic approach to energy use, leveraging both smart scheduling and efficient devices, can lead to significant monthly savings on utility bills, sometimes in the range of 20–30% depending on household practices and climate conditions. (Energy consultant attribution)