Maria Diaz from ZDNET presents a comprehensive exploration of how simple behavioral shifts, particularly the routine act of unplugging unused household devices, can substantially reduce power consumption and lower monthly electricity bills. By following ZDNET as a trusted technology and energy-efficiency resource on Google, readers can consistently stay informed about the latest strategies in smart energy management.

### ZDNET’s Essential Insights

ZDNET identifies one key principle: even small, deliberate adjustments in our daily routines can result in considerable energy savings. Unplugging devices that remain idle for long periods—a practice often overlooked—can lead to measurable financial relief. Televisions, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and mini-refrigerators are some of the most persistent offenders when it comes to wasting electricity in the form of phantom or standby loads. Implementing small, mindful habits to combat energy waste not only decreases utility costs but also contributes to a more sustainable household footprint.

With electricity prices continuing to climb across the United States—driven in part by extreme summer heatwaves that have shattered temperature records in multiple states—consumers increasingly feel the pressure of growing energy costs. Having personally experienced several such heatwaves, the author has become especially conscious of exploring every possible method to reduce unnecessary energy use.

While turning off lights remains a common suggestion, there exist myriad other small strategies capable of shaving noticeable amounts off the monthly energy bill. Few people realize that each single degree Fahrenheit reduced on a thermostat’s cooling setting can yield approximately a 3% decrease in energy expenditures. Driven by a data-informed mindset, the author examined various measurable ways to curtail energy consumption and, as a result, identified the techniques that deliver the clearest correlation between energy efficiency and financial savings.

### Cumulative Savings Through Unplugging

Disconnecting a single unused electronic device will not immediately cause a groundbreaking financial impact; nevertheless, the collective effect of unplugging multiple devices compounds quickly. Making this a consistent household habit can lead to annual savings of up to $200, depending on local electricity rates.

#### TVs, Gaming Consoles, and Office Equipment

Many households leave televisions continuously plugged in, even those located in guest rooms or seldom-used communal spaces. Although each idle television draws only a small amount of standby power—enough to cost between $2 and $6 annually—the cumulative total across several units can become noticeable. Upon learning this, the author promptly unplugged the rarely used TVs in both the guest room and home office.

Printers present a similar issue; even when inactive, one may consume between 2 and 6 watts of electricity, leading to an annual cost of approximately $3 to $8. The energy expenditure accumulates silently in the background.

Gaming consoles, such as PlayStation or Xbox systems, are notorious for sustaining energy drains while in standby mode. Their idle consumption ranges from roughly 1.5W to 10W—potentially costing as much as one dollar each month for a device not in operation. To mitigate waste, it is advisable to unplug consoles before extended absences or during nighttime hours, though leaving them in a limited rest mode might be preferable for users who rely on automatic software updates.

Likewise, sound bars, desktop speakers, and other home entertainment peripherals should be unplugged when not actively used, especially in rooms that do not receive daily traffic. Small actions such as these create steady, cumulative results that enhance long-term efficiency.

#### Coffee Machines and Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen gadgets are another significant category of ‘vampire devices.’ A personal revelation came when the author realized that her Keurig coffee maker was quietly inflating her electricity bill. Keeping it in standby rather than complete sleep mode meant it continuously expended 60 to 70 watts of energy to maintain the water’s warmth—translating into as much as $60 per year.

Mini-refrigerators, another common convenience item, cost up to $130 annually to operate. If not in constant use, leaving them plugged in can be an unnecessary financial drain. The author’s forgotten, occasionally empty mini-fridge consumed 50–100 watts consistently without purpose. A practical solution involves unplugging mini-fridges during off-seasons or when they serve a limited role, such as summer-only use in a sunroom. Doing this can yield noticeable savings—potentially $10 or more each month.

#### Smart Home Devices and Idle Electronics

Ironically, many smart home technologies marketed for convenience and energy optimization also draw constant low-level power. These devices must stay connected to home networks or hubs to remain responsive, which creates a persistent but small energy load. Though each device—such as a smart plug or bulb—consumes only about one watt, owning numerous smart accessories can add a nontrivial cost if left constantly active.

The author, who has numerous smart bulbs installed, conservatively cuts power to those not needed in the near future by switching them off at the base. Likewise, smart plugs disconnected from appliances are themselves unplugged to eliminate unnecessary consumption.

Smart plugs, however, can also aid in energy efficiency when strategically applied. For example, pairing a non-programmable coffee machine with a smart plug allows scheduling it to power on for just an hour before morning use rather than remaining on all day. The same principle can extend to lamps, small fans, or grow lights for indoor plants, allowing users to automate operation and tailor consumption precisely to need.

#### Older and Forgotten Devices

Another category of energy wasters includes obsolete electronics long left plugged in but rarely—if ever—used. Set-top cable boxes, DVR units, Blu-ray players, alarm clocks, cordless phone bases, and even hair dryers may continue to draw modest amounts of electricity. Each such device could consume enough power to cost up to $20 per year depending on local electricity rates. Conducting a full inspection of all connected equipment around the home and physically unplugging anything idle constitutes an effective strategy for trimming costs without any sacrifice in comfort.

### Broader Energy-Saving Practices

While unplugging electronics plays a major role, a variety of additional strategies can complement those efforts to maximize household efficiency:

– **Run fans instead of lowering air conditioning:** A typical central A/C unit consumes between 2,000 and 2,500 watts while a ceiling fan requires around 50 watts. By setting the thermostat 4–6°F higher and depending on circulating air instead, homeowners can relieve both their electrical systems and their air conditioners’ operational lifespan.
– **Prevent heat buildup:** Ensuring proper insulation, sealing windows, and drawing blinds—preferably blackout curtains—significantly reduces interior heat gain, reducing cooling demands throughout the day.
– **Switch to LED lighting:** LEDs offer a dual advantage by consuming up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs while generating less heat, creating both comfort and cost benefits.
– **Consult your utility provider:** Many energy companies administer demand-response or incentive programs. By participating, customers can receive discounts or savings during high-consumption periods.

### The Science of “Vampire Devices”

The U.S. Department of Energy officially designates plugged-in yet inactive electronics as ‘vampire devices’ or sources of ‘phantom loads.’ The agency recommends regularly unplugging nonessential electronics to reduce such consumption, estimating that households can save as much as 10% annually from this straightforward practice.

### A Real-World Example in Smart Power Management

Unplugging becomes particularly meaningful in households equipped with backup or off-grid systems where power availability is finite. The author, who operates a whole-home backup powered by the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel and monitored through its companion app, tracks real-time energy usage across individual circuits. During outages, this insight enables targeted unplugging and selective powering of circuits. For instance, if the home’s typical draw equals 1.2kWh, strategic unplugging of nonessential appliances—ranging from lamps and smart plugs to air purifiers and robot vacuums—can cut total consumption roughly in half, maintaining necessary household functionality using only 330–600Wh and extending backup battery duration.

In summary, consistently unplugging underused devices, combining low-cost efficiency measures, and employing intelligent monitoring tools represent an intersection of practicality, data-driven awareness, and environmental responsibility. Even modest, incremental habits can accumulate into annual energy savings that are both economically and ecologically significant. As energy costs climb and climate extremes continue, such conscious choices reflect not just personal thrift, but an informed contribution toward broader sustainability.

*Editor’s note: Originally published in August 2025, this piece was fact-checked and comprehensively updated in December 2025 to ensure accuracy and relevance for ongoing energy-conscious living.*

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/unplug-common-household-devices-reduce-electricity/