You Unplug, But Keep Paying: The Phantom Consumption of Appliances Plugged In

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 05/11/2025 at 16:05

Updated on 07/11/2025 at 23:37

Desligar aparelhos da tomada é uma ação simples que reduz o consumo invisível de energia em equipamentos como micro-ondas e carregadores.

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Turning Off At The Button Is Not Enough; Unplugging Cuts Standby Consumption, Especially From Chargers, Microwaves And Modems, And Helps Save Energy

Many people believe that turning off a device at the button is enough to zero energy consumption. However, experts explain that this is not true.
Even when not in use, equipment such as microwaves, televisions, modems, and chargers continue to consume electricity in standby mode.
Therefore, unplugging these devices, especially during long periods of inactivity, is an effective measure to save energy and reduce your electricity bill.

How Much Does This Represent In Practice

According to experts, savings can reach about 5% when all standby devices are considered.
Therefore, in a household with an average consumption of 300 kWh per month, the reduction can reach R$ 12.
This amount may vary according to the tariff flag applied in the period.
Thus, unplugging devices is a beneficial and effective habit.

Special Attention To Microwaves And Modems

The microwave and the internet or TV modem continue to consume energy even when not directly in use.
Therefore, if you will be away from home for hours, it is recommended to unplug them.
This avoids constant consumption during long periods of inactivity.
This simple care helps reduce waste and increases the energy efficiency of the household.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Chargers: Small But Numerous

In summary, chargers plugged in without devices consume on average 0.26 Watt.
When a fully charged phone remains connected, the consumption can reach 5 Watts, depending on the brand and model.
Thus, a single charger has little weight on total consumption.
However, multiple chargers connected simultaneously change this scenario.
Therefore, always unplug when possible and avoid leaving them connected unnecessarily.

How To Reduce The Bill With Simple Habits

Reduce shower time, as the electric shower is the household’s highest energy-consuming appliance.
Wash and iron clothes all at once, to optimize energy and time use.
Bake small portions in the air fryer, as conventional ovens consume more electricity.
Avoid direct sunlight exposure on refrigerators and air conditioning, as heat increases the effort of the motors.
Review old wiring, as electrical overload increases consumption and can pose risks.
Use a UPS or power strip with a button to turn off multiple devices at once.

Accessible And Practical Automation

Smart bulbs allow you to schedule timings and adjust intensity via an app or voice assistants.
Similarly, smart plugs integrated into the electrical network allow you to turn devices on and off automatically.
Thus, devices such as air conditioning, washing machines, electric ovens, and irons can be controlled by voice command.
This way, you can avoid forgetting devices on during the night.
This automation brings convenience and reduces energy waste.

You Unplug, But Keep Paying: The Phantom Consumption of Appliances Plugged In

Turning Off At The Button Is Not Enough; Unplugging Cuts Standby Consumption, Especially From Chargers, Microwaves And Modems, And Helps Save Energy

How Much Does This Represent In Practice

Special Attention To Microwaves And Modems

Chargers: Small But Numerous

How To Reduce The Bill With Simple Habits

Accessible And Practical Automation

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You Unplug, But Keep Paying: The Phantom Consumption of Appliances Plugged In

Turning Off At The Button Is Not Enough; Unplugging Cuts Standby Consumption, Especially From Chargers, Microwaves And Modems, And Helps Save Energy

How Much Does This Represent In Practice

Special Attention To Microwaves And Modems

Chargers: Small But Numerous

How To Reduce The Bill With Simple Habits

Accessible And Practical Automation

With billions in loans, China is rebuilding Nigeria’s railway network from scratch, abandoning the British colonial tracks that have turned to scrap and creating a corridor of over 1,300 km to take the load off the roads of Africa’s largest economy.

Forget petroleum-based asphalt: a Scottish company transforms 684,000 plastic bottles into one kilometer of road that is 60% more resistant and up to 10 times more durable, and the technology has already started replacing traditional asphalt in more than 30 countries.

Austrian engineers have developed an inflatable concrete technology that transforms flat slabs into domes using only air pressure, eliminating scaffolding and temporary forms, and potentially changing the way bridges, tunnels, and curved roofs are constructed worldwide.

China is building an artificial island in the middle of the sea, covering 20 km², to construct the largest offshore airport in the world, the Dalian Jinzhouwan. This $4.3 billion project is anchored on more than 3,000 pillars embedded in the rock beneath the ocean and is scheduled to open in 2035.

Australia prepares to dredge 96.5 million m³ in Moreton Bay to deepen, widen, and realign channels of the Port of Brisbane, in a project of up to 25 years designed to accommodate larger ships and enhance maritime safety and regional port efficiency.

A robot named Walter does the work of five bricklayers per hour and can save the construction industry, where the average age of professionals is 46 years and almost no one wants to learn the trade anymore, in the United Kingdom.

Spain installs two giant pipelines 2.2 km off the coast to draw water from the Mediterranean and supply a megafacility capable of producing 200 million liters of drinking water per day.

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