Have you noticed that your electricity bill is steadily increasing without increasing the use of household appliances? The culprit may be devices that silently drain your wallet, even when you are not actively using them. Many devices in your home use up phantom energy - energy that is lost even though the devices appear to be switched off.
Televisions, computers, and even older refrigerators can draw electricity from the grid all the time, which invisibly increases costs. But don't worry, below we reveal some simple ways to tame silent consumers.
1. Cable receivers and televisions
Cable boxes and televisions are often left in standby mode so they can be turned on quickly the next time they are used. This "instant-on" feature consumes power the entire time the device is plugged in, even when it's seemingly turned off. Receivers with multiple functions, such as program recording, can use even more power.
2. Computers and laptops
Even if the computer is not in active use, it consumes power if it remains in standby mode or is just sleeping. This allows it to turn on and run faster when you need it, but the price of this convenience comes in the form of higher electricity bills. Memory units and network interfaces are the main consumers in this state.
3. Gaming consoles
Game consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo often run in the background even when they are not actively being used. Functions such as downloading updates, preparing games for startup, and connecting to the Internet contribute to constant power consumption, especially when they are in the "instant-on" state.
4. Household appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves
Older household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and microwave ovens use more energy than newer models with energy-efficient systems. Although they are essential for the household, they often work inefficiently. Even microwave ovens with a time display or defrost function can consume energy even when they are not actively in use.
5. Chargers for phones and other devices
Chargers that you leave plugged in, even when not connected to a device, still use power. This "invisible" flow of energy adds up over the year and can surprisingly increase your costs. By leaving the charger permanently connected, you encourage unnecessary consumption.
Solutions to reduce consumption
Unplugging devices is the simplest and cheapest solution to reduce phantom power consumption. But if that seems impractical to you, consider buying it smart sockets, which enable remote control of turning devices on and off. Switch to power saving mode for computers and TVs, as well as the use of energy-saving devices, can significantly reduce annual energy costs.
Last Updated 2024-10-10 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
