That headline is mostly clickbait. Some devices do use electricity when they’re “off” but still plugged in, a phenomenon often called standby power or phantom load. However, for most households, unplugging a few devices is unlikely to make your electricity bill skyrocket.
🔌 Devices that commonly use standby power
1. 📺 TVs and entertainment systems
- Smart TVs, cable boxes, and streaming devices often stay partially active.
- Cable/satellite boxes are frequently among the larger standby power users.
2. 💻 Computers and monitors
- Desktop computers, monitors, and printers may draw small amounts of power when idle or off.
3. 🔋 Chargers left plugged in
- Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers can consume a tiny amount of electricity even when not charging a device.
- Modern chargers are usually very efficient, so the cost is often quite small.
4. ☕ Kitchen appliances with clocks or displays
- Microwaves, coffee makers, and similar appliances use a little power to keep clocks and electronics running.
5. 🎮 Game consoles
- Some consoles stay connected for updates, downloads, or quick startup features.
💰 How much can you really save?
For many homes, standby power accounts for roughly 5–10% of household electricity use, though it varies. Unplugging high-standby devices or using a power strip can reduce this, but it’s usually not the biggest factor in an electric bill.
