How standby power impacts your energy bill and what you can do about it

Energy bills are a constant concern for homeowners, and one of the most debated energy-saving habits is whether switching off appliances at the wall actually makes a difference. Some believe turning off unused appliances will significantly lower power bills, while others argue modern technology is so efficient that it hardly matters.

So, what’s the truth? Does switching off appliances really save money, or is it just another energy myth? Let’s break it down and find out.

What is standby power and why does it matter?

Standby power, sometimes called "phantom load" or "vampire power," refers to the electricity used by appliances even when they are turned off but still plugged in. Many modern devices, especially those with LED indicators, digital displays, or remote controls, continue to draw power when idle.

Common examples of devices that use standby power include:

• TVs and gaming consoles
• Microwaves and coffee machines with clocks or timers
• Laptop and phone chargers left plugged in
• Printers, modems, and routers
• Air conditioners and smart home hubs

Individually, these devices may only use a few watts per hour, but across an entire household, standby power consumption can add up.

How much energy do appliances use in standby mode?

Modern appliances are generally more energy-efficient than older models, but many still consume electricity even when not actively in use. On average, standby power can account for 5% to 10% of total household electricity use.

Here’s how much standby power common devices use per year:

While no single device is a major energy drain on its own, when you multiply these small amounts by the number of devices in a home, the wasted power (and extra cost) becomes noticeable.

You can find more examples of appliance standby power costs in this article.

Does switching off appliances really save money?

The short answer: Yes, but the savings depend on the device

For older, high-energy appliances, switching off at the wall can make a significant difference. For newer, energy-efficient models, the savings are smaller but still worthwhile.

• For high-energy devices like gaming consoles, older TVs, and printers, turning them off can save up to $50 per year.
• For smaller devices, the savings might be as little as $10–$20 per year, but every little bit adds up!

The biggest savings come from households with multiple high-energy appliances, especially if they are left on standby for long periods.

Which appliances should you always switch off?

While not every device needs to be switched off at the wall, some appliances consume a significant amount of standby power. These should always be turned off when not in use:

High standby power users:

• TVs and entertainment systems
  • Older models, in particular, can use a surprising amount of energy in standby mode.
• Gaming consoles
  • Some consoles keep downloading updates and running background functions, even when turned "off."
• Microwaves with clocks
  • A microwave’s clock display can draw power continuously.
• Printers and scanners
  • Many keep running internal checks while idle, using unnecessary power.
• Chargers for laptops and mobile phones
  • Even when a device isn’t plugged in, chargers continue to draw small amounts of electricity.

On the other hand, some appliances should stay on for safety and convenience:

Devices that should stay plugged in:

• Fridges and freezers, designed to run continuously.
• Modems and routers, unless you’re away for an extended period, these need to stay on.
• Security systems and smart home devices, if disconnected, they lose their functionality.

By identifying which devices to unplug and which to leave on, you can maximise energy savings without causing inconvenience.

Are smart power boards and timers worth it?

Manually switching off multiple devices every night can be tedious, but smart power solutions can make the process easier.

• Smart power boards: These allow you to turn off multiple devices with one switch. Some even detect when an appliance is not in use and cut power automatically.
• Plug timers: These can be set to turn off specific devices at certain times (e.g., shutting down gaming consoles or office equipment overnight).
• Smart plugs: Controlled via a smartphone app, these let you switch off appliances remotely.

For households with multiple energy-draining devices, investing in smart power solutions can lead to noticeable savings over time.

The bigger picture: small savings add up over time

While switching off appliances may not drastically cut your power bill overnight, over a year, the savings do add up. Reducing standby power consumption by $100 to $150 per year might not seem like much, but across a decade, that’s over $1,000 saved, just from flicking a switch.

More importantly, cutting unnecessary power use benefits the environment by reducing overall electricity demand. Small changes in every household lead to big energy savings on a national scale.

Final conclusion: Myth or money-saving habit?

Verdict: Switching off appliances DOES save money, but the impact depends on your setup.

• If your home has older appliances, you can save a noticeable amount by turning them off at the wall.
• If most of your devices are modern and energy-efficient, the savings will be smaller but still worthwhile.
• Investing in smart power boards and timers makes it easier to cut standby power without effort.

If you’re looking for more ways to reduce energy waste and improve efficiency, Astill’s Electrical can help with expert advice and energy-saving electrical upgrades. Contact us today!