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There is an appliance that consumes a lot of energy even when it is switched off, so it is necessary to disconnect it to prevent an excessive increase in the electricity bill.
Given the recent 4% energy price hike in August, it is crucial to identify which appliances consume the most energy even when turned off. This phenomenon is known as “standby consumption” and varies depending on the device.
Appliances continue to consume energy even when switched off, so the best recommendation is to unplug them.Julián Bongiovanni / LA NACION – Archive
Electrical appliances consume energy even when switched off or in standby mode, averaging 1.6 kilowatts per day in a typical household. This represents 5% to 10% of the household’s energy expenditure. This consumption is known as “vampire current.”
While many devices contribute to standby consumption, one device stands out in this regard.
Studies have shown that the TV is the device that consumes the most energy even when it is off, especially modern models like Smart TVs. These TVs remain “alert” at all times, increasing their energy consumption even when not in use.
A study by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory confirmed that LCD TVs consume less energy than older cathode ray models. However, rear projection TVs can consume twice as much energy as their predecessors.
Smart TVs and their decoders are the appliances that consume the most energy even when switched off Shutterstock – Shutterstock
Additionally, the EPRE from Entre Rios highlights the “vampire current” generated by decoders or cable TV boxes. The entity emphasizes that devices providing cable or satellite TV consume varying amounts of energy, which is added to the device’s baseline consumption.
To reduce standby consumption, consider using multiple outlets that can turn off multiple devices simultaneously. Devices with presence sensors that automatically disable unnecessary devices are also recommended.
Knowing the alphabetical classification of appliances, which ranges from A+++ to D, is also important. The higher the letter, the more energy-efficient the device. Choosing more efficient appliances can result in lower standby consumption and a lower energy bill in the long run.
The different categories of energy efficiency that exist in Argentina