Q: Dear Ms Connected,

I have heard that it is better to switch off some appliances - for example, the TV, kettle and washing machine - at the wall when not in use, rather than leave them on standby. Is this true, and if so, why?

Claire Keoghan, Armidale, NSW
 
 
A: Dear Claire,

This Question really challenged me. Thank you!

Any appliance that is plugged in and switched on at the wall will be drawing current from the mains electricity supply, even when it is not being used for its primary purpose. This is called "standby power".

The amount of current varies significantly from appliance to appliance, however. Your kettle and washing machine, for instance, draw only a tiny amount of electricity when they're not being used, while others are far more power-hungry.

Take the example of a television. Many people switch their TV on and off with a remote control, rather than a button on the television itself. When the TV is off, the screen is blank - but the circuitry behind it is still buzzing, waiting for the "on" signal from the remote. The same can be said for DVD players, set-top boxes, stereos and computer monitors - any appliance that can be "woken up" with a remote control or the nudge of a mouse.

Most homes also have appliances that, when left on but not being used, need electricity for secondary functions. Examples include the digital display on a dormant DVD player; the digital clock on a microwave oven; the lit-up on/off button on your printer; and the flashing lights on a modem. They all use power when you are not using them.

Then there are chargers for products such as phones, shavers, digital-camera batteries and MP3 players. These also electricity beyond their main purpose, because we tend to leave the gadget in the charging cradle even after it's fully juiced.

Why would consumers like you and I be interested in any of this? Because according to the Australian Greenhouse Office, standby power now accounts for around 10% of the energy used in Australians' homes. At my place, that would equate to around $120 a year. Guzzling unnecessary power is also detrimental to the environment.

So in answer to your question: yes, for the sake of your wallet and the planet, it's best to switch off appliances at the wall - at least those that are the thirstiest. This is often the only way to over-ride the manufacturer's standby features.

As for your kettle and washing machine; well, it's up to you how zealous you want to be about the lesser offenders!

Want to know more? An organisation called Green Innovation has just launched a new initiative called Standby Saturday to encourage Australians to use less standby power. Visit www.standbysaturday.com.au.

Yours in simplified technology,

Ms Connected

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