Appliances on standby – myths squashed

Separating fact from fiction when it comes to appliances and the amount of power it uses is no easy task.

Myth: Appliances on standby do not use power

For most people turning off an appliance at its power button or via its remote is the norm.

When walking away from televisions, cellphone chargers or laptop computers we don’t think twice about leaving these appliances in standby mode and what it means.

Most do not consider that when a light is still glowing on an appliance, it’s still using power.

Myth one: It uses no power

Standby mode was originally created so that appliances can power up quicker.

In other words, large appliances such as televisions do not have to be powered up from scratch and, instead, can be switched on faster.

However, while an appliance in standby mode doesn’t use the same amount of electricity as it does when completely powered up, it still draws current.

Myth two: It’s cheaper to leave appliances in standby mode

According to research in the United Kingdom, leaving appliances in standby mode can account for about one-fifth of the energy usage reflected on a monthly electricity bill.

Instead of wasting this money, simply unplug your appliances to ensure they are properly switched off and don’t use any electricity.

Myth three: Some devices draw less current anyway

Here the focus should be on the collective effect of having a range of devices in standby mode.

If you start counting the television, or any type of entertainment device it begins to add up.

So, yes, although it’s true that some appliances draw less current than others, it’s even more true that switching off and unplugging appliances saves you money.

Myth four: It’s just a habit that can’t be broken

Prior to the Power Alert warnings on television, many people did not bother to switch off unnecessary lights, geysers and appliances.

Now, most people do when they see a Power Alert.

The same applies to unplugging appliances at the socket: It has to become a habit.

• There are, however, devices that can help you:

Smart power strips cut power to anything plugged into it in standby mode, saving you energy and reducing your electricity bill.

Whether in the office or at home, these strips are perfect to control the energy use of many appliances ranging from computers, laptops and televisions to printers, copiers and coffee machines.

Myth five: Once your gadgets and appliances are charged they stop drawing current

We all think that once our laptops, tablets and smartphones are fully charged they stop drawing current.

This is definitely a myth.

A small amount of current is still being drawn if the devices are plugged in.

Again, to avoid running up energy costs, charge your devices before going to bed and unplug chargers at the wall socket when done.

Myth six: I don’t even know which appliances are on standby

Taking a walk around your home and making a list of the appliances in standby mode will help you to get into the habit of ‘switching off and unplugging at the wall socket’.

Appliances that usually remain in standby mode include televisions, home theatre systems, computers, cordless phones, microwaves, and any other device with a remote control.

Final tip:

Remember that by unplugging at the wall socket, you will also prevent damage to devices should there be a power surge.

Source: Eskom