Many devices in your home never fully power down. Even when they look “off,” they’re still sipping energy. These vampire loads—like smart home gadgets, TVs, and game consoles—can quietly add up to 20–30% (or more) of your energy costs.
In Sense homes, the average Always On load is 251W, costing around $165–$308 per year. Some homes even hit five-digit wattage levels.
Common Always On Devices (average watt usage)
- Desktop computer: 21W
- Set-top box: 43W
- Game console: 23W
How to Track Always On Devices
Want to see where that wasted energy is coming from? Try these approaches:
- Check manufacturer specs: Look up standby power usage in manuals or online
- Use Watt Check: Measure inactive device wattage right from your Sense app
- Add smart plugs: Monitor and control devices directly—Sense can even detect Always On loads automatically through some integrations
To estimate costs, multiply the wattage used while inactive by the time inactive and your electricity rate. This helps you see what’s really driving your Always On total.
Cut Down Always On—Here’s How
Reducing Always On isn’t hard—and the savings add up quickly. Try:
- Using power strips to switch off multiple devices at once
- Adding smart plugs (like Kasa or Wemo) for app-based control
- Setting savings goals in the Sense app and tracking your progress over time
Lower bills. Smarter homes. A more sustainable future. All by cutting the energy you don’t even see.
Related Sense Help Center articles
Track Down Your Always On Energy Hogs
Tips to Reduce Your Always On Usage
Frequently Asked Questions: Always On and Device Detection
How Do I Use Sense With Smart Plugs?
Devices: Using Sense with other smart devices
Other resource: U.S. Energy Information Administration