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If an appliance or device seems to be consuming electricity even when you're barely using it, a plug-in power meter can show its actual consumption.
Connect the meter between the wall outlet and the appliance, then compare its power use while operating, idle, and supposedly switched off.
Devices such as TVs, consoles, computers, and entertainment equipment can still consume standby power depending on their settings and design.
Testing devices individually gives you real measurements instead of guessing which appliance is responsible.
© U.S. Department of Energy