As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households, energy efficiency has become a pressing concern. A recent investigation by Express.co.uk brought together five energy experts who unanimously identified gaming consoles as the most significant offenders when it comes to energy consumption while on standby.
Gaming consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, remain plugged into the mains and continue to draw power even when not in active use. This standby mode allows for quick startup and automatic updates, but it also leads to unnecessary energy costs.
Experts Highlight the Risks of Standby Mode
Micah Jackson-Sattler, owner and head electrician of Micah Electric Co., emphasizes the substantial energy drain of gaming consoles. He describes them as “the worst energy-sucking devices” because they consume electricity even when idle. According to Jackson-Sattler, this can significantly impact electricity bills over time.
Caleb Caviness, general manager at AryCo, echoed these concerns, noting that he frequently sees gaming consoles contribute to elevated utility bills. “These are powerful machines that require a lot of energy to function,” he said, adding that even in standby mode, they can quietly raise costs.
Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, referred to gaming consoles as “an absolute standout” in terms of energy consumption. She explained that when not in use, they remain partially active for quick resumption and ongoing network connectivity. Features such as cloud save synchronization and powered USB ports for charging further exacerbate their energy use.
Energy Costs Add Up Over Time
Martyn Fowler, founder of Elite Renewables, highlighted how many users mistakenly believe their consoles are off when they are actually in rest mode. In this state, consoles continue to download updates and charge controllers. Fowler stated, “On average, they use around 10 to 15 watts in standby. That could add £30 a year to your bill without you realizing.” He recommends fully shutting down gaming consoles through their settings and disconnecting them from power sources.
Nick Barber, co-founder at Prepaid Electricity and Utilities Now, reinforced the message that gaming consoles are among the most power-hungry devices. Barber advises unplugging the console or setting it to a true turn-off mode when not in use to minimize energy consumption.
With the rising cost of living affecting many households, awareness of energy consumption is increasingly vital. By addressing the power draw of gaming consoles, consumers can take actionable steps to reduce their utility bills. This consensus among experts serves as a reminder to be mindful of standby energy use in the home.
