1. Televisions and Entertainment Systems

Your television, gaming consoles, and soundbars are likely to be some of the biggest culprits of standby energy use. Even when turned off, they often remain in standby mode, drawing small amounts of power to enable quick start-up or remote operation.

Solution: Use a smart power strip or unplug these devices entirely when not in use. Consider turning them off at the wall overnight or when you’re away from home.

Tip: Many modern TVs have an eco-mode or automatic shut-off feature—check your settings to activate this function.

2. Chargers Left Plugged In

Phone, laptop, and tablet chargers continue to use a small amount of electricity when left plugged in, even if no device is connected. While the power consumption might seem minor, it can add up significantly over time.

Solution: Unplug chargers when not actively in use. Alternatively, plug them into a power strip that can be easily switched off when you’ve finished charging your devices.

Tip: Create a dedicated charging station to keep cables organised and remind everyone to unplug when done.

3. Microwave Ovens

Microwaves consume electricity even when idle, mainly to power the digital clock or internal settings. If you rarely use your microwave, this standby energy can account for unnecessary costs.

Solution: Turn off the microwave at the wall socket when it’s not in use. You can reset the clock when needed, but this small effort could save a surprising amount over the year.

Tip: Use a power strip with a timer to ensure the microwave only draws power during meal preparation times.

4. Desktop Computers and Printers

Many desktop computers and printers remain in standby mode when not turned off properly, consuming energy in the background. This is especially true for printers with wireless connectivity, which stay active to maintain readiness for print jobs.

Solution: Shut down computers completely after use and switch off printers at the wall if they’re not frequently used.

Tip: If you’re a carer who works from home, try to consolidate printing tasks to avoid frequently turning the printer on and off.

5. Wi-Fi Routers and Modems

Wi-Fi routers and modems are often left on 24/7, consuming energy even when not actively in use. While they are essential for staying connected, there may be periods, such as overnight or when you’re out, where you can switch them off to save power.

Solution: Turn off your router during extended periods of inactivity, but check with your provider first to ensure it won’t affect your connection stability.

Tip: Use a timer plug to automate when your router is powered on or off, saving you the hassle of remembering.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Televisions and entertainment systems often use standby power—turn them off at the wall or use eco settings.
• Unplug chargers when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy drain.
• Turn off microwaves at the wall to prevent idle electricity consumption.
• Fully shut down desktop computers and printers to stop them from using standby power.
• Switch off Wi-Fi routers during periods of inactivity, such as overnight, to save energy.

These ghost appliances may seem harmless, but their standby power usage can contribute to higher energy bills. By taking small steps to unplug or manage these devices more effectively, carers can save money and reduce energy waste. For more practical tips and advice, visit CarersCardUK.