The best way to cut electricity use from everyday gadgets is to change their settings first, then switch off idle equipment that does not need to stay connected. The effect depends on which devices you use, their settings, and how long they remain idle—so there is no reliable one-size-fits-all bill reduction.
Start with free settings and habits
Power management built into computers, monitors, and TVs is a practical first step: it reduces use during inactivity without requiring a new device. Choose settings that fit how you work and what you need equipment to do.
Set computers and monitors to use less power when idle
- Enable built-in power management. On your computer, open its power or battery settings and turn on automatic sleep or another suitable low-power mode. On a monitor, enable its own power-saving setting if available.
- Shorten the inactivity interval. Choose the shortest period that will not interrupt work, downloads, presentations, or other tasks. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (DOE/FEMP) recommends enabling these features and choosing the shortest suitable interval and lowest suitable power mode. DOE/FEMP estimates that leaving computer power-saving mode enabled can reduce annual computer energy use by up to 27%; this is an estimate, not a guarantee for an individual computer. DOE/FEMP computer purchasing guidance
- Turn equipment off during extended idle periods. If the computer must remain on for a backup or another task, DOE/FEMP suggests turning off the monitor instead. A laptop charger can be unplugged after the battery is charged or connected to a switched power strip.
DOE/FEMP says using sleep and off modes will not shorten a computer’s life. Choose a low-power mode that preserves any functions you need, rather than keeping equipment fully active by default.
Choose an efficient TV picture setting
Use the ENERGY STAR preset picture setting as much as possible. Brightness and picture mode affect a television’s energy use; vivid, sports, or cinema modes may use more power than the default setting used for ENERGY STAR qualification. The DOE/FEMP television guidance recommends the efficient preset.
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Decide which devices can safely lose standby power
Standby power is electricity used while equipment is plugged into mains in its lowest-power mode—typically when switched off or not doing its main job. A device can therefore draw power even when it appears to be off. The amount varies by model and operating state. DOE explains standby power and its measurement.
Start by identifying what stays connected when you are not using it. Then switch off or unplug only equipment that does not need continuous power. Before cutting power, check whether a device must stay on for networking, recording, security, updates, backups, or another function you rely on.
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Use a switched strip for equipment used together
A switched power strip is useful for a group of devices that are normally used together and can safely be off together—for example, a monitor and peripherals at a workstation. Turn off the strip when the group is idle. Do not put a router, recorder, security device, or other equipment that needs to remain on in the switched group unless you have confirmed that losing power will not disrupt a needed function.
For a TV and home-entertainment setup, a smart strip can reduce standby use when the system is off, provided it does not cut power to equipment that must remain on. Advanced strips can automate shutoff, but convenience and compatibility matter: check how the strip detects activity and whether it may switch off a device you want connected. DOE Energy Saver’s guide offers broader household energy-saving advice.
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Do not assume every charger is a major load
Charger and standby draw depend on the model and what it is doing. Unplug or switch off a charger if it is idle and convenient to do so, but prioritize devices you have identified as drawing power rather than assuming every charger is a significant source of waste. An older EPA/ENERGY STAR consumer guide estimated that U.S. households spent about $100 per year—roughly 8% of household electricity costs—on devices in low-power mode. That is a program estimate from around 2017, not a current or personalized estimate for your home. EPA/ENERGY STAR consumer messaging guide
Measure idle use if you are unsure what to tackle
If several devices stay plugged in, measurement can help you decide which ones deserve attention. DOE describes IEC 62301 as the test procedure used to measure standby power. A consumer plug-in electricity usage monitor can be an optional household aid for checking an individual device; it helps measure and prioritize but does not reduce consumption by itself, and the cited DOE guidance does not endorse a particular consumer meter. DOE standby-power guidance
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Use measurements to inform a simple decision: is the device drawing power while idle, does it need to remain available, and is switching it off practical? If a device serves an ongoing function, its convenience or security value may outweigh the standby use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When replacing a gadget, compare current specifications
If you are already planning to replace electronics, compare current, category-specific ENERGY STAR qualifications and the product’s stated standby power. Check the current listing for the product category rather than relying on a brand name or a general “green” claim; qualifications and specifications can change. ENERGY STAR product listings
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Figures published for different product categories should not be treated as interchangeable:
| Figure | What it applies to | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 3 watts or less when switched off, versus nearly 6 watts average for a standard TV | Televisions | ENERGY STAR’s consumer product-efficiency page; check the current page because specifications can change. ENERGY STAR: What Makes a Product ENERGY STAR? |
| 1 watt or less of standby power | Products purchased by federal agencies, when compliant models are available | A DOE/FEMP federal purchasing requirement, not a household mandate. DOE/FEMP low-standby-power guidance |
DOE/FEMP also says ENERGY STAR-certified TVs meet the FEMP 1-watt standby limit. The federal purchasing rule applies to federal agencies; households can use certification and published standby specifications as comparison information, but are not required to meet that procurement standard.
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