Your Gaming Console Is Secretly Increasing Your Electricity Bill
'Off' devices in homes consume up to $200 worth of energy annually.
1The Hidden Energy Consumption Reality
Modern homes have 'off' devices like TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles that actually draw power continuously. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, these devices account for 5-10% of a home's total electricity use. In some homes, this can reach 26%. The average U.S. household spends $165-200 annually just on this 'phantom load.'
2The Unexpected Culprit
While most people assume the TV is the biggest energy drain, ENERGY STAR certified modern TVs only draw 0.5 watts when off. Cable boxes and modems aren't the main offenders either. The real energy monster is gaming consoles left in factory default settings. Xbox and PlayStation's 'instant on' modes continuously consume power.
3Gaming Consoles' Power Hunger
NRDC tests show Xbox Series X/S in 'Instant On' mode draws 9-13 watts even when 'off.' PlayStation 5 consumes 1.3-3.2 watts in 'Rest Mode.' This translates to $13-18 in unnecessary annual electricity costs. Your console's quick-start feature may consume more power than all other devices on your TV wall combined.
4The Full System Cost
All devices on a TV wall (TV, sound system, modem, console) can collectively draw 20-60 watts when 'off.' Depending on electricity rates, this means $30-200 in annual wasted spending. The cost peaks if your gaming console's quick-start mode is enabled, making it the most significant contributor to phantom energy drain.
5Xbox Energy Savings
On Xbox Series X/S, navigate to Settings > General > Power mode & startup and switch from 'Instant On' to 'Energy Saving' to save $13-18 yearly. NRDC calculations show if all U.S. Xbox owners made this change, it would save enough energy to shut down a 500-megawatt coal power plant - enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
6PlayStation Settings
On PS5, go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode and disable 'Supply Power to USB Ports' and 'Stay Connected to Internet' unless needed. Sony's data shows this reduces standby consumption to 1.3 watts. If you're not charging controllers or downloading overnight, these settings should be turned off.
7Main Solution: Power Strip
For $10-35, you can purchase a switched power strip for all TV wall devices. Simply flip the switch when sleeping or away to completely stop energy drain. This simple method can lead to significant reductions in your annual electricity bill while requiring minimal effort to implement.
8Small Change, Big Savings
Energy experts emphasize that this 'phantom load' issue in modern homes is a major waste source most households aren't aware of. By changing one console setting and using a switched power strip, you could save up to $200 annually. These minor adjustments benefit both your budget and the environment significantly.
Original article: Trendir — Oyun Konsolunuz Elektrik Faturanızı Sessizce Artırıyor