With summer now behind us and routines fully resumed, many families are actively seeking ways to reduce their expenses as we move into the final quarter of the year. As October approaches, the focus on cost-cutting intensifies. Among the various areas where savings are possible, household electricity consumption remains one of the biggest contributors to high bills, a concern that becomes particularly pressing as we head towards the colder months and the end of the year.
Although electricity prices have stabilized compared to the previous year, and many modern devices and appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient, the truth is that spending remains high. Many users believe that simply turning off devices when not in use is enough to avoid costs, but this idea is far from reality.
Television: The Surprising Culprit
Of all household appliances, the television is one of the devices that consumes the most electricity, even when apparently turned off.
Surprisingly, the TV continues to use electricity when in standby mode, that is, when only the red standby button light is on. This continuous consumption can have a significant impact on the electricity bill, accounting for 10% to 20% of the monthly total.
Although it may seem strange, since most modern televisions are Smart TVs that are supposedly more efficient, the problem lies exactly with these models. Smart TVs never completely turn off, remaining in standby mode, which means they continue to consume electricity.
Standby and Constant Updates
The main reason for this continuous consumption is that Smart TVs are constantly connected to the internet and are regularly updated. Moreover, the need to be always ready to be turned on via remote control means they are functioning, albeit at a reduced level, while waiting for the next activation signal.
Another factor to consider is the use of connectivity features, such as automatic content synchronization and software update monitoring, which also contribute to increased energy consumption. This scenario makes the television, often considered inactive, responsible for a significant increase in a home's electricity costs.
How to Reduce Consumption
To avoid this additional consumption, the simplest and most effective solution is to unplug the television from the electrical outlet when it's not in use, especially if there are no plans for use over an extended period, such as during vacations or when away from home.
This way, it's possible to significantly reduce energy consumption and, consequently, the electricity bill.
This small gesture can make a big difference in the long run, especially in a scenario where energy efficiency and sustainability are gaining increasing importance in families' daily lives.
