You turn off the TV, flick off the kettle, and switch off the air fryer — so your appliances aren’t using power, right?
Not quite.
Many appliances and devices around your home are quietly using electricity even when they’re “off.” This sneaky drain is called standby power, and it could be adding hundreds of dollars a year to your energy bill — without you even realising it.
In this blog, we’ll explain what standby power is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to stop it.
Standby power is the energy your appliances use when they’re plugged in but not actively being used. Think of the little red light on your TV, the glowing clock on your microwave, or the soundbar that’s always “ready to go.”
It’s not much per device — but across your whole house? It adds up.
π The average Australian household wastes $100–$200 per year on standby power alone. In larger homes or tech-heavy households, it can be even more.
Here are some of the worst offenders we see in Brisbane homes:
πΊ TVs, soundbars, and gaming consoles
π» Desktop computers, printers, and modems
β Coffee machines and microwaves
βοΈ Air conditioners with remotes or timers
π Phone/tablet chargers left plugged in
π§ Smart home devices that stay “listening”
If it has a remote control, a little light, or runs on a timer — there’s a good chance it’s sipping power 24/7.
You don’t have to unplug every device in the house every night — but with a few smart changes, you can cut standby power without the hassle.
Here’s how:
These detect when a main device (like your TV) turns off and automatically cut power to the accessories (like the soundbar or DVD player). Set and forget.
Chargers, spare TVs, garage fridges, old DVD players — if it’s not being used daily, unplug it. Even better, group them on one power board so you can turn them off in one go.
Some newer appliances are better than others. If you're upgrading, look for devices with low standby energy use or an automatic power-down feature.
This is especially easy for kitchen appliances like kettles, toasters, and coffee machines.
If your internet habits allow it, some routers can be scheduled to power down when no one’s using them.
If you’ve already got solar, reducing your overnight standby load helps you make better use of your daytime solar savings.
Some air conditioners draw standby power even when not cooling. We can help assess if yours can be isolated when not in use.
We can help track down what’s using power in your home — including hidden loads — and offer tailored solutions to reduce waste.
Take a walk through your home and check for these signs:
If you answered “yes” to any of the above — standby power might be costing you.
At Triforce Electrical and Air, we help Brisbane homeowners get the most out of their electricity — without wasting a cent. Whether you want help identifying your home’s hidden energy drains, upgrading to smart controls, or combining this with a solar or battery setup — we’re here to help.
π¬ Friendly advice. Honest service. Local sparkies who get it.
Let’s cut the waste and lower that bill.
π Get in touch today on 1300 538 270 to book a home energy check or chat through your options.