9 Unexpected appliances increase the electricity bill
Identify Hidden Energy Drainers in Your Home and Cut Down on Electricity Costs Efficiently
Wi-Fi Routers
Chargers
Microwaves
Smart TVs
Idle Washers & Dishwashers
Gaming Consoles
Kettles & Coffee Makers
Bathroom Appliances
Inefficient Refrigerators
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Most people assume the biggest contributors to their electricity bill are obvious — air conditioners, heaters, washing machines, or refrigerators. But in reality, several unexpected appliances quietly drain energy every single day.
These devices often stay plugged in, run in the background, or operate inefficiently without you even noticing. Over time, they add up and significantly inflate monthly electricity costs.
If you"re trying to reduce your bill, save energy, or manage a more eco-friendly home, it’s essential to know which appliances are silently consuming power.
Here are the unexpected energy culprits that may be costing you more than you realize — and what you can do to control them.
1. Wi-Fi Routers and Modems — Silent Energy Drainers
Wi-Fi routers stay on 24/7, which means they’re constantly consuming electricity, even when you"re asleep or away from home.
✔ Why they increase your bill:
They operate non-stop
Older router models are less energy-efficient
Dual-band routers consume even more power
✔ How to reduce their energy usage:
Turn the router off at night or when away
Use a smart plug to schedule automatic on/off times
Upgrade to an energy-efficient router model
✔ Annual impact:
A constantly running router may cost anywhere from $20–$40 a year, depending on the model and electricity rate. It sounds small, but combined with other hidden devices, it adds up.
2. Laptop and Phone Chargers Left Plugged In
Chargers continue to draw electricity even when they’re not charging anything — a phenomenon called phantom load.
✔ Why chargers are a problem:
They keep consuming small amounts of energy
Multiple chargers amplify the cost
Fast chargers and high-voltage adapters consume more power
✔ What to do:
Unplug chargers when not in use
Use power strips to disconnect everything at once
Avoid leaving devices plugged in overnight
Using chargers wisely can significantly reduce wasted energy.
3. Microwave Ovens and Digital Displays
Even when a microwave is not cooking anything, it pulls energy due to its digital clock, sensors, and internal standby system.
✔ Surprising fact:
The microwave’s clock uses more electricity in a year than the microwave uses for actual heating.
✔ Why it consumes power:
Internal transformer stays warm
Digital display requires constant energy
Electronics run in standby mode
✔ How to reduce energy waste:
Plug it into a switchable socket
Turn it off completely when not in use
Avoid using it to boil water unnecessarily
Small changes can lead to large savings over time.
4. Smart TVs and Streaming Devices Running in Standby Mode
Modern TVs rarely turn “off” — instead, they stay in standby mode, listening for remote signals or updates.
✔ Why standby mode wastes energy:
Background software updates
Quick-start features keep the processor active
LED indicators and sensors stay powered
✔ How to fix it:
Disable “quick-start” mode
Turn the TV off from the wall socket
Use a smart plug to cut the power fully
Streaming devices (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV) also consume energy even when idle.
5. Washing Machines and Dishwashers Sitting Idle
Most people don’t realize that these appliances pull electricity even when they’re not running.
✔ Why this happens:
Control panels stay active
Sensors remain responsive
Internal components stay warm
✔ Tips to save energy:
Unplug when not in use
Run full loads instead of partial ones
Avoid using high-temperature cycles unnecessarily
Energy-efficient habits reduce both bills and appliance wear.
6. Gaming Consoles Running in “Rest Mode”
PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles can remain in low-power but still energy-consuming states for hours or days.
✔ Rest mode activities include:
Downloading updates
Charging controllers
Running background processes
✔ How to reduce consumption:
Fully power off the console when not in use
Disable automatic updates
Unplug during long periods of inactivity
Gaming consoles can consume more power than a refrigerator if left running constantly.
7. Electric Kettles and Coffee Makers Left Plugged In
Heating appliances always draw more electricity than expected, especially if their internal circuits remain active.
✔ Why they cost more:
Heating elements stay warm
Internal lights and displays use power
Multiple daily uses quickly add up
✔ How to save:
Unplug kettle or coffee maker after each use
Heat only the amount of water needed
Use a thermal flask to keep water hot longer
These small adjustments significantly reduce power usage.
8. Bathroom Appliances: Hair Dryers, Shavers, Toothbrush Chargers
Most people leave these plugged in all the time, unaware that they consume energy around the clock.
✔ Hidden consumption includes:
LED indicators
Transformers warming internally
Auto-charge cycles
✔ What to do:
Use bathroom outlet timers
Plug devices only when needed
Turn off power strips after use
You only use those appliances for minutes, but they stay plugged in for hours or days — wasting energy.
9. Refrigerators Running Inefficiently
Refrigerators are expected to consume electricity — but many consume far more than they should.
✔ Why refrigerators waste electricity:
Dirty condenser coils
Overfilled shelves
Poor door seals
Placing hot food inside
Keeping temperature settings too cold
✔ Tips to reduce consumption:
Clean coils every 3–6 months
Leave space for air to circulate
Check and replace damaged seals
Set fridge to 3–5°C and freezer to -15°C
Avoid frequent door opening
A well-maintained refrigerator can save up to 20% on your electricity bill.