8 devices that “steal” energy in your home and you don’t even know it

Have you ever received a higher-than-expected electricity bill without knowing why? The answer may lie in so-called phantom consumers: appliances that continue to use energy even when they are turned off. Even if they are in “standby mode” or without active use, they are still connected and generating spend.

This silent consumption can represent up to 10% of your total monthly bill. And the worst thing: many of these devices are in every house.
Let’s see what they are and how you can prevent them from stealing your energy.

What are the 8 devices that steal energy without you noticing?

1. Televisions in standby mode

The classic red light that stays on when you turn off the TV means that it continues to consume power. “Standby” mode can account for up to 5% of your computer’s monthly consumption.

What can you do?
Unplug it completely or connect it to a slipper with a switch to easily cut off the power.

2. Cell phone chargers

Do you leave the charger plugged in all day even if it’s not connected to your phone? Believe it or not, it still consumes electricity and heats the transformer.

Tip:
Unplug it as soon as you’re done charging your device.

3. Microwave

Even if you don’t use it, the digital microwave clock and its internal standby system are still constantly consuming power.

Helpful Tip:
If you don’t use your watch, consider unplugging it when it’s not in use.

4. Computers and notebooks

Even in sleep mode, they still use power. If they also have connected peripherals (speakers, printers), the expense increases.

Recommendation:
Turn off the equipment completely and unplug it if you are not going to use it for several hours.

5. Video Game Consoles

Most modern consoles have background features even when turned off: updates, standby, active ports.

What to do?
Cut off their power with a power strip or unplug them if you don’t use them daily.

6. Music equipment and active speakers

They usually have lights on or are on standby, waiting for an audio signal to activate. Meanwhile, they consume energy.

Practical solution:
Unplug them at the end of the day or plug them into a smart plug.

7. Digital Clocks and Electric Alarm Clocks

They may seem harmless, but they are connected 24/7.

Tip:
Use battery-powered watches if you want to reduce phantom power consumption.

8. Wi-Fi modems and routers

They don’t need to be on all the time, especially at night or when no one is home.

Helpful Tip: Schedule them to turn off at specific times,
or do it manually if you’re going to be away for several hours.

What can we do to avoid these invisible consumptions?

• Use power strips with a switch: this way you can disconnect several devices with a single click.
• Invest in smart plugs: they allow you to program automatic shutdowns or control usage from your cell phone.
• Turn off devices completely: remote control is not enough. Make sure to turn off from the button or unplug it directly.
• Check appliances that you don’t use often: if they are plugged in but not used, unplug them until you need them.

Reducing invisible electricity consumption not only helps you save money, but it is also a contribution to caring for the environment. Check which devices are connected in your home… and start cutting off those silent thieves of energy.


👉 Follow our page, like 👍, and share this post. Every click can make a difference—perhaps saving your own life or that of a loved one.