8 Devices That Use Electricity Even When Turned Off

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⚡ 8 Devices That Use Electricity Even When Turned Off — And How to Save Energy

You might think that when you switch off a device, it stops using electricity. But here’s a surprising truth: many common household devices continue to draw power even when turned off — a phenomenon called “phantom” or “standby” power.

This sneaky energy drain can add up over time, increasing your electricity bills and wasting precious energy. To help you cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint, here are 8 devices that consume electricity even when they appear to be off — and simple tips on how to prevent it.

1. Televisions

Modern TVs, especially smart TVs, often remain in a standby mode to enable quick startup or receive software updates. Even when turned off, they can use several watts of power daily.

Tip: Use a power strip with an on/off switch and unplug the TV completely when not in use for long periods.

2. Cable or Satellite Boxes

Cable boxes constantly run in the background to stay connected and download program guides, consuming power 24/7.

Tip: Unplug the box when you’re not watching TV for an extended time, or switch to streaming devices that use less power.

3. Game Consoles

Gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch often stay in a low-power standby mode to allow quick restarts and background downloads.

Tip: Fully shut down consoles instead of leaving them in standby, or unplug when idle for long durations.

4. Chargers (Phone, Laptop, etc.)

Chargers plugged into outlets draw a small amount of electricity even when not connected to devices.

Tip: Unplug chargers when not in use or use smart power strips that cut power automatically.

5. Microwave Ovens

Microwaves use standby power to keep their clock and digital displays running even when not cooking.

Tip: Unplug microwaves if you don’t need the clock display or want to save energy overnight.

6. Computers and Monitors

Computers and monitors can continue to draw power in sleep or standby modes, especially if USB devices remain connected.