Article at a Glance:
- Standby energy can add a significant amount to energy bills.
- Daily usable appliances like TVs, printers, and microwaves contribute to standby energy consumption.
- Reducing standby energy consumption should be a collective approach in a household, and every member should participate in it.
You can save money on your energy bills with some simple techniques. Many times, we leave our electrical appliances like laptops and TVs plugged in even when they are switched off. While plugged in (not in use), your appliances quietly drain electricity. The energy consumed by devices while they are on standby or switched off mode is standby energy consumption. In Australia, about 11.6% of residential energy consumption is attributed to standby consumption.
By following some simple strategies, you can minimise your standby energy consumption, thus reducing your energy bills. Here are some simple yet effective techniques to minimise your standby energy consumption.
Unplug Devices
First things first: Standby energy consumption occurs when you leave your electrical appliances plugged in when they are turned off. So, the best way to get effective at standby energy saving is to unplug your devices while they are not in use. You can immediately unplug your devices after using them, such as laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, DVD players, and some small kitchen appliances like mixers, juicers, toasters, and others.
Appliances like TVs, microwaves, heaters, printers, and computers drain electricity the most while in standby mode. So, you have to be careful with those devices for optimal energy saving.
Use Power Strips
Plugging multiple devices on a power strip means you have a single power connection for all your devices. When no longer in use, you can turn off the power strip, and it will cut off power transmission for all your devices. Using power strips for your multiple electrical devices with on and off switches is an effective standby energy saver.
Invest in Smart Power Strips
Using power strips is an effective way for households to save on energy bills by reducing standby energy consumption. But, when you use manual power strips, it is up to you to turn off the power button. Instead, you can use smart power strips that automatically cut off the power when your devices are in standby mode. Smart power strips can sense when a device is turned off and thus cut the power connection to it.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Your electrical items will not last forever; when it is time to change them, it is better to make a switch to energy-efficient appliances. When looking for energy-efficient appliances in Australia, look for products with an Energy Star label on them. Such products are highly energy-efficient and help you save energy consumption while in use and standby mode. So, it is better to make informed choices while looking to replace your electrical items. Energy-efficient appliances are reliable standby energy savers.
If you are looking for a new energy provider, you can also select those providers with sustainable energy plans.
You can compare energy plans in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, or South Australia using online platforms. Online energy comparison platforms will help you find the best deal in your area.
Educate your Family Members
If you are aiming to reduce energy consumption by minimising standby energy consumption, every member of your household has to contribute. If you effectively participate in standby energy savings and other family members do not, your lone effort may not be as fruitful as you expect. So, achieving energy consumption in a household should be a collective effort. You can do so by educating your family members about standby energy consumption and how to save on energy in this area
Standby energy consumption can add up to a significant sum to your energy bills. In Australian households, common home appliances like TVs, computers, microwaves, and printers contribute largely to standup electricity charges. By following simple tips like unplugging devices after use, using smart power strips, and educating family members, you can minimise your standby electricity consumption and save money on your energy bills.