Month after month, many households are left puzzled when the electricity bill arrives:

“Why is it so high? I’m sure we didn’t use that much power!”

Most people immediately blame the air conditioner, refrigerator, or washing machine. However, one of the biggest hidden culprits behind rising electricity costs is something far smaller and often overlooked.

The Unexpected Electricity Thief: Your Set-Top Box (STB)

Although it seems harmless, the set-top box — a device used almost daily for watching TV — can quietly consume more electricity than major appliances. The surprising part? It wastes energy even when you think it’s turned off.

When you power off your TV using the remote, the television stops functioning, but the STB switches into standby mode, not full shutdown. In this mode, the device continues drawing power around the clock.

Studies and measurements of household energy consumption show that:

• The power used by an STB in standby mode is almost identical to the power it consumes while operating.

• An STB left plugged in 24 hours a day can consume hundreds of kilowatt-hours per year — without you realizing it.

• Because people rarely unplug or turn off their STBs completely, they become one of the most persistent and expensive “electricity thieves” in any home.

How to Stop the STB From Wasting Energy

Fortunately, the solution is simple and effective:

1.  Turn off the power switch of the STB after use instead of only relying on the remote.

2.  Use a power strip with an on/off switch, allowing you to cut off power completely with one click.

3.  Consider using smart plugs that automatically disconnect power when the device is inactive.

This small habit change can noticeably reduce your electricity bill over time.

Many Other Household Devices Waste Electricity in Standby Mode

The STB is not alone. A wide range of household appliances continue consuming electricity even when you're not actively using them — a phenomenon known as phantom load or vampire power.

Below are additional tips to help you reduce unnecessary energy consumption:

How to Save Electricity Efficiently at Home

1. Air Conditioner

The air conditioner is often blamed for high electricity costs, but with proper usage, it can be far more efficient.

Tips for saving energy:

• Choose an inverter AC, which adjusts power usage automatically and reduces energy waste.

• Set the temperature to around 26°C (78.8°F) — comfortable, yet efficient.

• Use sleep mode at night to reduce power consumption as your body temperature naturally drops.

• Clean the filters and indoor/outdoor units regularly to keep the system running efficiently.

A poorly maintained air conditioner can use 20–30% more electricity.

2. Refrigerator

Your refrigerator runs 24/7, so small habits can make a big difference.

Ways to reduce its energy use:

• Allow hot or warm food to cool before storing, preventing the fridge from overworking.

• Organize food neatly to allow airflow and improve cooling efficiency.

• Set the temperature to 4–5°C (39–41°F) during summer for ideal freshness with minimal energy use.

• Wash and dry vegetables before storing to avoid excess moisture, which forces the fridge to work harder.

Keeping the door closed firmly and opening it less often will also save energy.

3. Washing Machine

Modern washing machines offer many settings that can help reduce energy consumption when used correctly.

Energy-saving tips:

• Set water level and washing cycle based on fabric type and dirtiness - don’t use heavy-duty cycles unnecessarily.

• Avoid overfilling the drum, which forces the machine to use more energy.

• Use cold water settings whenever possible; heating water uses a large amount of electricity.

• Plug the washing machine into a power strip or smart plug and switch it off after each use to eliminate standby electricity waste.

Conclusion: Small Changes Lead to Big Savings

Lowering your electricity bill doesn’t always require expensive new appliances. Instead, it often comes down to understanding which devices consume power silently and using them more wisely.

By:

• Turning off the STB completely

• Adjusting air conditioner settings thoughtfully

• Organizing your refrigerator efficiently

• Using washing machines properly

• Cutting off standby power with smart plugs or power strips

…you can dramatically reduce electricity waste.

Regular maintenance, mindful usage habits, and energy-efficient choices not only save money but also extend the lifespan of your appliances - giving you a more sustainable and cost-effective home.