Unplugging idle household devices can lower electricity bills, ZDNET says

ZDNET reporter Maria Diaz says unplugging commonly idle household devices can help reduce electricity bills in the US as energy costs climb. The piece highlights small changes that compound into measurable savings. The article lists common “vampire” devices and estimated idle costs: TVs might save $2–$6 a year each, printers $3–$8 a year, and a gaming console in standby can draw 1.5W–10W and cost about $1 a month.

A Keurig left in standby can draw 60W–70W and cost as much as $60 a year, while a mini‑fridge can cost up to $130 a year and more than $10 a month if used seasonally. Smart bulbs and plugs draw around 1W each (about $0.65–$1.30 a year apiece), and a set‑top box, DVR or Blu‑ray player can use up to $20 a year when idle.

Diaz notes that unplugging many devices could add up to nearly $200 a year, depending on local rates, while a single device usually won’t save much on its own. Diaz also describes practical steps she uses: unplugging rarely used TVs, disabling a Keurig standby, unplugging an empty mini‑fridge, and using smart plugs for scheduling.

She says her EcoFlow Smart Home Panel lets her view circuit loads and turn off non‑critical circuits during outages; she reports that reducing a 1.2kWh load can be halved and that she can keep essential loads at about 330Wh–600Wh to extend backup battery life. The US Department of Energy recommends unplugging devices to cut phantom loads, and Diaz notes that exact savings will vary by local rates.

Key Topics

Tech, Vampire Devices, Maria Diaz, Ecoflow, Keurig, Smart Plugs