10 Household Items You Should Unplug to Save on Your Energy Bill

Understanding the Impact of Standby Power on Your Energy Bill

In many households, reducing electricity consumption is a practical way to lower energy bills. One often overlooked strategy is managing standby power — the energy used by appliances and devices while they are switched off or in a standby mode. This standby or "phantom" power can significantly inflate electricity bills without you realizing it.

According to research conducted by the Australian Government Department of Energy in 2026, standby power accounts for up to 10% of an average household's electricity costs in Australia. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of thousands of homes.

[Source: Australian Energy Update 2026]

What Is Standby Power?

Standby power is the energy consumed by devices when they are not in active use. This can occur because many appliances, like televisions, computers, and kitchen gadgets, still draw power even when turned off or switched to standby mode. While each device may consume a small amount of power individually, the combined total can be substantial.

Common Offenders in the Household

Here are some of the most common household items that contribute to standby power consumption:

• Televisions and Set-Top Boxes: Modern TVs and set-top boxes often enter a low-power standby mode rather than powering down completely, sipping small amounts of power throughout the day and night.
• Kitchen Appliances: Devices like microwave ovens, coffee machines, and electric kettles can consume energy in standby for displays and internal clocks.
• Computers and Peripherals: Desktops, laptops, printers, and modems can all draw power when not in active use but left connected to power sources.
• Chargers: Phone chargers, when left plugged in, can draw small amounts of energy even if the device is not connected.
• Other Electronics: Devices such as gaming consoles and audio systems also contribute to unnecessary energy consumption when in standby mode.

How to Identify Appliances That Consume Standby Power

Identifying devices that consume standby power can be as simple as checking power indicators. If an appliance has a light or digital display that remains active, or if it possesses a power adapter that feels warm when the device is not in use, it's likely drawing standby power.

An energy monitoring device can also be helpful in identifying these culprits. By connecting it to your home circuits, you can obtain a more accurate picture of your electricity usage, providing insights into which devices are contributing most to standby consumption.

Strategies to Reduce Standby Power Consumption

Here are some practical strategies to help reduce standby power usage in your home:

Unplug or Power Down Devices

Simply unplugging devices when not in use can dramatically reduce standby power consumption. Consider placing commonly used devices on power strips, which can be switched off conveniently when appliances are not needed.

Smart Plugs and Timers

Using smart plugs or timers can automate the process of cutting power to appliances when they are unnecessary, such as during hours when everyone is at work or asleep.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Invest in energy-efficient appliances when updating or replacing home electronics. Look for models that are Energy Star certified, which often include power-saving modes.

Educate and Involve the Household

Encourage family members to be mindful of energy usage. Setting a household energy-saving challenge can make reducing energy bills a communal and rewarding activity.

Additional Benefits of Reducing Standby Power

Beyond saving money, reducing standby power use can extend the lifespan of your electronics and contribute to environmental conservation by lowering carbon emissions related to electricity generation. This aligns with Australia's broader efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

By adopting these measures, households can see a significant reduction in their electricity bills while positively impacting the environment. Remember, every small change adds up over time. For more information and advice on energy conservation, refer to resources like the Australian Energy Consumption and Conservation Reports.

[Source: Australian Energy Consumption and Conservation Report 2026]