Our modern world is surrounded by conveniences that use electricity. Even if you’re careful to turn out the lights, monitor your thermostat, or hand wash a few dishes, there are hidden electricity wasters in every home.

Many of today’s electronics have a standby, or phantom, power usage mode that you may not be aware of. These appliances continue to use electricity when they are not in use.

Understanding Standby Power

Standby power refers to the energy appliances and electronics use when they are plugged in—even when you aren’t actively using them. These can seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. Even your smart light bulbs use minimal energy when they aren’t in use!

That passive energy use can add up to about 10% of your monthly electric bill.

Where Phantom Power Users Hide

Anything plugged into an outlet is a suspect for standby power use until proven innocent.

Here are some of the biggest culprits.

  • Television
  • Computer
  • Printer
  • Microwave
  • Coffee Maker
  • Gaming Console

How to Reduce Hidden Electricity Consumption

Some would argue that these standby power users don’t contribute significantly to your overall usage. That is true if you’re only looking at a single appliance. Remember, your home has dozens of these items. It can add up.

Where do you start if you decide it’s time to take a few energy-saving steps?

Power Strips

If you have a series of electronic devices you regularly use but don’t need to have plugged in all the time (like countertop kitchen appliances), try using a power strip that can be shut off when the items aren’t in use. This keeps the cords orderly and simplifies getting them ready to use.

You can also use power strips to bring items usually clustered together behind inaccessible outlets (like entertainment areas) to a convenient place to turn their connection to power on and off.

Simplify things more by buying power strips with advanced technology or using timers. They’ll remember to turn those TVs and gaming consoles off while you’re sleeping.

Unplug Appliances

Take a look around your home at all the things you leave plugged in. Look for everything from electric toothbrushes to kitchen appliances. If there isn’t a good reason to leave it plugged in all the time, take a few extra seconds to plug and unplug items as needed.

Does that sound like a lot of extra work? Start with the devices you use the least or have obvious signs of power usage. If any lights are on when it is at rest, your electronics are using up energy.

Don’t forget to unplug your phone chargers. An outlet with nothing plugged into it cannot use any extra electricity. Once you plug something in, then electricity is flowing without a useful reason. It’s a tiny amount, but it is happening. That also goes for leaving your phone plugged in when it is already fully charged.

Choose Energy-Efficient Models

When shopping for new electric devices, always look at the energy-use information. You can check the internet for energy use comparisons for many different items you might be considering.

And remember, when you’re trying to be eco-conscious, bigger isn’t always better. Upgrading to a 65” TV may seem great, but is it really so much better?

Older appliances such as stoves and refrigerators can also be critically examined. Compare new and old options and decide if it’s worth shopping for a more energy-efficient model.

Check Your Bill

Work with your electricity supplier to get a detailed look at your energy use at night or when you aren’t home to see what it takes to keep your home running in “sleep” mode. Check your bill to see what information it provides, or speak with someone at your supplier.

Find Your Electricity Vampires

You can also track power usage with special monitoring equipment.

A home energy monitor can be bought online or at many hardware stores. They are easy to use. Simply plug in different electronics and appliances. The monitor will let you know how much energy that electronic uses, even when you aren’t interacting with it.

Contact Kiwi Energy

If you’re looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment while still living a comfortable life, contact Kiwi Energy to learn more about what we offer!