Save by Unplugging Unused Electronics

Overview

In our endeavour to save electricity, here are a few simple things you can do every day. Many electronic devices keep drawing a small amount of power whenever they are plugged in, even when they are switched off or in standby. This is often called standby power or phantom load. One device uses very little, but across a home or office full of chargers, TVs, set-top boxes and computers it adds up on every bill, all year round.

Which devices draw power on standby?

• TVs, set-top boxes and music systems that turn on with a remote
• Phone and laptop chargers left in the socket after the device is removed
• Desktop computers, monitors, printers and Wi-Fi routers left on overnight
• Microwave ovens and other appliances with a clock or display
• Gaming consoles and devices with "instant on" or "quick start" modes

Simple habits that help

• Switch off at the wall. Turning a device off with its remote usually leaves it on standby; turning off the socket switch stops the draw completely.
• Unplug chargers as soon as your phone or laptop is charged.
• Use a switched power strip for groups of devices that are used together, such as a TV, set-top box and speakers, or a computer, monitor and printer, so one switch turns them all off.
• Turn off office equipment at the end of the day and over weekends, including printers, photocopiers and shared screens.
• Enable power-saving settings on computers and monitors so they sleep when idle.
• Check before you buy: prefer appliances with a good BEE star rating and low standby consumption.

What not to switch off

Some equipment should stay powered: refrigerators, security systems, medical devices, and network equipment that others depend on. Unplug only what you can safely leave off.

Small savings, every day

Reducing wasted electricity is the cheapest first step towards a lower bill. Combined with a rooftop solar system sized to your actual consumption, it lets more of the power you generate go towards the loads you really need. If you would like help understanding your electricity consumption or planning a solar system, contact the Chirayu Power team.

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