What standby power actually is
Standby power refers to the electricity used by devices when they’re not fully switched off. Instead, they remain in a “sleep” or low-power mode so they’re ready to be used instantly.
Why standby power matters more in student houses
When you’re on a shared student bills package, this kind of constant background usage can quietly push up the overall cost, even if no one feels like they’re using much energy individually.
More devices, more waste
Students tend to have a lot of devices between households. Game consoles, phones, laptops and screens all use power even when they’re in standby or sleep mode. In a digital age when tech is so commonplace, it’s not uncommon for a student household to have upwards of 20 different devices drawing power at any one time.
Shared spaces = shared standby
Devices and appliances being used by the whole household, such as whitegoods (fridges, washing machines, microwaves, etc.), coffee machines, smoothie makers, can make a real impact on the cost of your bills. These devices are usually left plugged in and turned on 24/7, 365, and this can start to stack up.
Hidden costs add up fast
It’s estimated that up to 10% of power consumption in the average household is taken up by devices on standby. That’s a lot of money wasted on devices not being used, especially when the amount of tech is multiplied by 3 or 4 housemates.
How to spot devices draining energy
If your device looks like it’s off but is showing a light, it’s probably in standby mode. Many devices will have a “wake up” mode, which means they’re ready for usage even if they appear to be off. A lot of the time, it’s only a few extra seconds of switching on from being completely off, and it can save you a lot of money.
Easy ways to cut standby power
Smart plugs and timers
Smart plugs and timers allow you to reduce your electricity consumption without having to consciously remember to switch things off. Smart plugs are a type of Bluetooth device that allows you to use your phone to switch devices on and off remotely. If you want your room to be warm when you get home from class but don’t want to leave it on all day, you can use your phone to switch it on before you get home. Likewise, if you’ve left something on in the morning rush, you can use your device to switch it off remotely. Timers allow you to automatically switch your devices on or off at a certain time. For instance, you can have your coffee machine switch on for those 6 am wakeups so it’s not draining power overnight.
Power strips with switches
Power strips and extension cables are handy when you need space for more plugs, but they can be expensive when 8 different devices are left running because one needs to be left on. When a power strip has switches, it means you can switch individual plugs off without turning the whole strip off, leaving the necessary devices on.
Use device settings wisely
Lots of modern technology has environmental modes you can use to reduce your power consumption. TVs will have an automatic switch-off function when not being used after a certain amount of time. Likewise, many laptops will reduce their screen brightness or go into an automatic low power mode after a certain amount of time of not being used.
The environmental and financial impact
Not only can unnecessary power drainage ramp up your outgoings, but it can also have a negative impact on the environment. When devices are left on, it costs more electricity overall, which puts more strain on local grids and, in turn, creates more carbon emissions, which can be devastating for the planet.
Find out the hidden costs of standby power at The Student Energy Group
Head to our blog for more tips on reducing your bills, cutting energy waste and making the most of your student budget. From easy cost-saving tips to simple lifestyle changes, The Student Energy Group is here to help you take control of your household costs and avoid unnecessary surprises on your energy bills.
