Most of us think about saving energy by turning off lights or adjusting the thermostat. But many of the tech devices we rely on every day—like streaming boxes, routers, smart home devices, and phone chargers—keep using power long after we stop using them.
Even when the TV is off or your phone is fully charged, those devices may still be quietly drawing energy in the background.
That hidden usage adds up.
Modern devices are designed to be always connected. Streaming devices are checking for updates, smart speakers sit quietly waiting for voice commands, and routers run continuously to keep everything connected even if no one is home. “Always on” is now a normal part of connected living.
It’s nice and convenient for us, but it comes with a tradeoff. Most people don’t realize that even when devices are not being used, they’re still pulling power for background functions. These hidden energy costs seem small, but across multiple devices, and over weeks, months and years, they quietly add up.
Why Your Connected Home Uses More Power
Between remote work, streaming services, gaming, and smart home automation, a home can have dozens of devices connected at the same time. This isn’t a bad thing; it reflects how much technology has improved daily life. But it does mean that our devices are using far more energy than most of us realize.
In the U.S., consumer technology devices now account for roughly 12% of residential electricity use. Increased streaming, always-on connectivity, and more time spent working from home all contribute to that rising demand. Even devices that are rarely used still draw power just by being plugged in. And as more households adopt smart thermostats, security systems, and connected appliances, that usage will only keep climbing.
It’s not just happening inside your home. As more households rely on connected devices, utilities and electric providers are also working to keep up with growing demand while modernizing infrastructure for better efficiency.
How Smart Technology Can Actually Save Energy
The good news is it doesn’t all have to work against you. Many of the same technologies causing increased energy usage can also help reduce it, especially when supported by reliable internet connectivity:
- Smart thermostats automatically adjust heating and cooling based on daily waking and sleeping schedules or even whether someone is home, saving energy without any extra effort.
- Smart meters and utility apps give homeowners real-time insight into their energy use and show them exactly where power is being wasted.
- Smart plugs and advanced power strips help eliminate “phantom” energy use by cutting power to devices sitting idle in standby mode—like TVs, computers, and chargers. This can reduce unnecessary energy waste and lower your monthly bill.
Over time, these tools help homeowners understand how and when their devices use power, without giving up the convenience of staying connected. As broadband networks continue to evolve, more households can take advantage of these capabilities.
Many of these energy-saving tools rely on consistent, real-time connectivity to work effectively. Automation, remote monitoring, and usage tracking all depend on a stable internet connection. Many of these energy-saving tools rely on strong, reliable internet to work properly. Smart thermostats, utility apps, automation systems, and monitoring tools all depend on consistent connectivity.
That’s where fiber makes a difference. DFN’s fiber network helps your smart home devices work smoothly, reliably, and efficiently, all while supporting the connected lifestyle your household depends on.
Efficient Infrastructure Matters
As more devices come online, the efficiency of the underlying network infrastructure also becomes more important.
Modern networks like fiber are designed to deliver high-capacity connectivity while using less energy compared to older technologies. In fact, fiber networks are widely recognized as one of the more energy-efficient broadband options available, helping support rising demand without a surge in energy use. Fiber further enables the use of energy-saving technologies throughout the home, from automation systems to real-time monitoring tools.
While newer technologies continue to evolve, including satellite-based services like low Earth orbit (LEO) networks, fiber remains the reliable source for supporting both connectivity and energy-conscious applications.
Small Changes Add Up
A smarter home should also be a more efficient one.
Small changes—like using smart plugs, updating your thermostat, or improving your home network—can make a real difference over time.
With reliable fiber internet from DFN, your connected devices can work better, smarter, and more efficiently every day.