Most home or office appliances (computers, monitors, printers, sound systems, televisions, chargers, electronic gadgets, etc) use up energy just by being on standby when we’re not using them. Because most households and workplaces have a larger number of electronic and internet-connected devices, the combined energy use of standby items will soon add up! Turn items off at the power point (as well as on the device itself) when not in use.

A research study by Choice found that leaving items on standby could add hundreds of dollars a year to a household power bill (and therefore use more carbon), depending on the standby energy efficiency of each item. Some items such as multi-function printers, wireless mesh routers and sound systems could each add around $30–40 a year in unnecessary power. Also, remember that when buying new appliances, you can research the standby energy use as well as the running cost. Aim for the best overall energy rating.

Save up to 2 tonnes of carbon a year by turning off appliances and gadgets

More information

• Green Street Badges: Energy badge (household) and Energy badge (business)
• Energy.gov.au – Australian Government’s energy-saving information and tips for consumers and businesses
• The cost of leaving appliances on standby – Facts and figures about standby energy costs (Choice, 2020)