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How to save energy — Reduce your electricity bill by up to R$216

Published 22/01/2025 às 22:56
Updated 23/01/2025 às 08:03
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Small changes in your daily routine can generate big energy savings. Find out how to reduce your electricity bill.

Even when turned off, Smart TVs and other electronic devices in our homes continue to consume electrical energy in standby mode. This invisible consumption can represent a significant part of the electricity bill at the end of the month, right? We will see tips for saving energy.

According to information published on the SEBRAE website, the sum of all appliances on standby in a home can represent up to 12% of total energy consumption. the energy electrical.

Considering an average of R$150 per month spent on the energy bill, without the expense of appliances on standby, the electricity bill could increase. R$18 cheaper every month. In other words, an energy bill with this amount can have a discount of up to R$216 over 12 months.

What are the main causes of electricity consumption in standby mode?

Smart TVs are one of the main culprits of energy consumption in standby mode. Even when turned off, these televisions continue to consume electricity to keep certain functions active. Among these features, the following stand out:

  • Internet connectivity for automatic software updates and application downloads;
  • Ability to quickly activate via remote commands;
  • Detection of voice commands from virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant;
  • Connection to other devices such as video game consoles and media players.

In addition to Smart TVs, there are other electronic devices that contribute to increased energy consumption even when they are not being used. Among the main culprits of standby electricity consumption, we can highlight:

  • Sound equipment: audio equipment often remains on standby to respond quickly to remote commands;
  • Virtual Assistants: devices like Alexa, Google Nest and Home Pod require constant power to always be ready to respond to voice commands;
  • Coffee makers: many modern models have programmable functions that require continuous power consumption;
  • Cell phone chargers: even without the device connected, the charger continues to consume energy;
  • Desktop and notebook computers: desktops and laptops, when not completely turned off, consume power in sleep mode;
  • Video game consoles: Current consoles remain connected to the internet for automatic updates and background downloads;
  • Cable TV Set-Top Boxes: remain on even when the TV is turned off;
  • Cooktop stoves and ovens: many of these appliances have digital clocks and timers that constantly consume energy;
  • Microwave: have digital clocks and standby lights that consume energy continuously;
  • Wi-Fi Routers: remain connected at all times to keep the internet connection active;
  • Cordless phones: Charging docks consume power even when the device is fully charged.

How much does each electronic device consume on standby?

Standby power consumption varies depending on the type of appliance and its features. On average, these appliances can consume between 1 and 50 watts per hour, depending on their specifications and active functions.

For example, a modern Smart TV can consume up to 2 watts per hour when turned off, which represents about 17,5 kWh over the course of a year. A mobile phone charger plugged into a wall outlet, even without the phone plugged in, can consume approximately 4,5 watts per hour.

If we consider continuous use, this consumption can have a considerable impact on the electricity bill throughout the year.

Other examples of standby consumption include:

  • A Wi-Fi router can consume 5 to 10 watts per hour;
  • TV set-top boxes can consume 10 to 20 watts per hour;
  • Video game consoles can consume up to 50 watts per hour if they are not turned off completely.

How to identify electronics on standby and save energy

To identify whether a device is consuming energy in standby mode, simply look for indicator lights on the device, such as green, red or blue LEDs. In addition, digital clocks and displays that are lit up are indicators that the device is in standby mode.

Another tip is to check the temperature of chargers and devices. If they are warm to the touch, this indicates that they are consuming energy, even when they are not in use.

How to save energy – up to R$216 per year on your electricity bill

To avoid unnecessary energy consumption at home, it is important to adopt some simple practices, such as:

Unplugging appliances: whenever possible, unplug electronics that are not in use;

Using power strips with a switch: these devices allow you to turn off several appliances at once, making it easier to control consumption;

Set appliances to energy saving mode: many devices have specific settings to reduce standby consumption;

Invest in LED lamps: in addition to consuming less energy, they are more durable;

Using smart plugs: These smart plugs allow you to remotely control devices and cut off power when they are not in use.

Additional tips to reduce your electricity bill

In addition to avoiding unnecessary consumption of electronics on standby, there are other strategies to reduce your electricity bill:

Install curtains and blinds: help keep the environment cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning;

Adopt a solar heating system: reduces dependence on electric showers, which are one of the biggest contributors to electricity bills;

Replace old appliances with models with Procel A Seal: these devices guarantee greater energy efficiency;

Avoid using household appliances during peak hours: times between 18pm and 21pm usually have higher rates;

Preventive maintenance of household appliances: poorly regulated appliances can consume more energy than necessary;

Raising awareness among residents: Educating your family about good savings practices can make a big difference in the final bill.

Act of saving energy

The act of save energy Electricity at home is possible with small changes in habits and investments in efficient equipment.

By avoiding unnecessary consumption of electronic devices on standby, adjusting the times of use of household appliances and adopting smart solutions, such as power strips and smart plugs, it is possible to significantly reduce electricity costs.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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