Cutting the Cord: How I Slashed My Energy Bill by Unplugging 7 Devices

As electricity costs soar nationwide, especially during the sweltering summer months, I was eager to find ways to lessen my electricity consumption. Beyond merely flicking the lights off when leaving a room, there are numerous tactics to cut down on utility expenses.

Small Energy Savings Add Up

While disconnecting just one gadget may not yield substantial savings, the cumulative effect of unplugging multiple devices can be significant, potentially trimming up to $200 annually from your power bill, depending on energy prices in your area. Here are some items I no longer keep plugged in and how it benefits my budget.

Televisions and Entertainment Equipment

Televisions, especially those not used every day like those in spare rooms or common areas, can draw power even when not in use. Unplugging such TVs saves approximately $2 to $6 each year for every unit disconnected. Once aware of this, I promptly unplugged the televisions in my office and guest room.

Similarly, an idle printer, left connected can consume between 2W and 6W, which translates to a cost of $3 to $8 annually.

Video game consoles, such as PlayStations or Xboxes, draw between 1.5W and 10W when on standby, costing nearly a dollar monthly if not actively used. Therefore, disconnecting them when away or overnight can enhance your savings, but it's wise to consider leaving them in a power-saving mode to avoid missing updates.

Don't forget sound systems and speakers, especially in seldom-used areas; unplugging them when not necessary helps reduce energy waste.

Kitchen Appliances

I realized my Keurig coffeemaker was a hidden energy hog because it needed to maintain hot water, using between 60W and 70W when in standby mode, potentially costing up to $60 annually. Now, I switch it off when not brewing.

My mini-fridge, operating without contents most of the time, proved an unnecessary expense. These can cost up to $130 annually if kept running without a need. If, like me, you only use a mini-fridge seasonally, unplugging it when not in use can save over $10 monthly.

Idle Smart Home Gadgets

While smart home devices generally boost energy efficiency, they remain connected, drawing minor energy amounts continuously. For instance, smart light bulbs and plugs use about 1W each, adding a dollar or so annually per device. Although this seems small, the costs accrue over time.

I regularly turn off the smart bulbs and disconnect smart plugs when not needed. Yet, using smart plugs for energy management can be beneficial. A non-programmable appliance, like an older coffee maker, can be more efficient when controlled via a smart plug’s schedule feature.

Older Electronics

Many of us overlook old electronics like set-top boxes, DVRs, or Blu-ray players, which can consume $20 annually if left plugged in. Evaluating and unplugging unnecessary devices such as alarm clocks and chargers can lead to modest savings. Doing this not only benefits your wallet but also the environment.

Understanding 'Vampire Devices'

Have you heard of vampire devices? These are appliances that consume power even when switched off. By disconnecting them, you could potentially trim up to 10% off your electricity bills, according to the US Department of Energy. It requires minimal effort for notable savings.

The Financial Impact of Unplugging

Many household gadgets consume energy quietly. The cumulative effects of neglecting to unplug appliances like coffee makers can lead to significant energy drain. I have a backup system that reveals my home's power consumption, prompting me to regularly disconnect non-essential devices to prolong backup battery life, cutting down energy use during outages.