When we get a hefty energy bill, our minds automatically go to the known power-hungry appliances such as air conditioners. But did you know that roughly 10 per cent of your electricity bill consists of standby power? But what is standby power and how much are your appliances using when they're switched off?

What exactly is standby power?

Standby power is the mode on your appliances that kicks in when you’re not actively using them. When you do start using your appliance or device again, standby mode allows you to fire it up quickly so you can pick up where you left off. Understandably, this power mode has also been coined ‘vampire power’, ‘phantom load’ and ‘leaking electricity’, because of how notorious it is for sucking up energy.

So, if you’re wondering what you can do to reduce the overall impact standby power has on your electricity bill, read on for some tips.

Switch your appliances off at the wall

It may sound old-fashioned, but switching your appliances off at the wall when not in use is one of the most effective ways to cut down on unnecessary standby power usage. Even just remembering a handful of the biggest energy-draining appliances such as computers and home entertainment systems can have a positive impact.

Purchase smart plugs to control when your appliances draw power

If you’re prone to forgetting things or perhaps don’t want the hassle of remembering to switch appliances off at the wall, a great solution is to purchase some smart plugs. Smart plugs allow you to control when your appliances use energy by setting a timer for them to switch off when you’re least likely to be using them. When your household is in bed is a great time to switch off the TV and Xbox!

Choose appliances with low standby energy ratings

There are some appliances that just can’t be switched off at all, like the refrigerator, and others that may be harder to access, such as dishwashers or ovens. If you’re looking to upgrade these appliances, be sure to look into their energy usage and select one with the lowest standby power rating.

Monitor your household’s energy usage with Reposit First

Investing in Reposit First means you know exactly when your energy is being used. Our smart technology identifies your household’s peak energy usage by monitoring and learning when you use electricity most. Prepared with this information, you can take the necessary steps to cut down excessive power usage and make better decisions about when to use your appliances.

Ready to make some drastic savings on your electricity bill? Let's chat, get in touch with our awesome consultants today.