Demo content · illustrative estimate · not yet verified
03 / Home · Hack #30
Kill standby power and run heavy appliances thoughtfully.
Devices on standby draw power all day. A switched power strip and a few habit changes shave a small but steady amount.
“small. but zero effort.”Potential saving
RM3–RM15 / month
≈ RM36–RM180 / year
Effort
one-time setup
Wait, what?
4 / 10
“pretty clever”
CheapHack ratio™
DECENTsaving ÷ effort
COMMUNITY TIPDemoLast checked: 12 AUG 2026
THE PROBLEM
TVs, consoles, chargers, and set-top boxes draw 'phantom' power when off.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DO
Leave everything plugged in and glowing.
(no judgement. we did too.)THE CHEAPHACK
Put entertainment and charging devices on a switched power strip and flip it off at night. Run washing machines with full loads and cold water where possible.
HOW TO DO IT
- STEP 1Buy a switched power strip for the TV corner.
- STEP 2Flip it off at night.
- STEP 3Wash full loads, cold cycle where suitable.
You’ll need: A power strip
THE MATH
RM8 × 12 = RM96
Per month
RM3–RM15
Per year
≈ RM36–RM180
is it worth the hassle?WORTH IT.(decent ratio · one-time setup)
WHEN THIS MAKES SENSE
- Most households.
WHEN IT DOESN’T
- Devices that need to stay on (router, fridge, security).
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
- Savings are modest. The effort is close to zero, which is the point.
- Don't overload power strips with high-wattage appliances.
DO THE MATH WITH YOUR NUMBERS
Do the math ↗
You save
RM38 − RM29 = RM9 × 12
RM9 / month
RM108 / year
RM540 over 5 years
small. still yours.Is it worth the hassle?
WORTH IT.better than most side hustles.
RM108 for 45 min ≈ RM144 per hour of effort.
DID IT WORK FOR YOU?
Demo state: votes are not yet counted. No fake numbers here.
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