Should You Unplug Your Chromecast?

Should You Unplug Your Chromecast When Not in Use?

The introduction of new technologies often sparks new questions. The increasing popularity of the Chromecast, along with similar streaming HDMI devices, has led many to wonder whether they should disconnect it when it’s not actively being used.

Understanding Phantom Power Loads

There's been growing discussion regarding "phantom" power loads and the energy consumed by devices left plugged in. Concerns are rising about the impact on electricity bills and overall energy conservation.

Dear How-To Geek,
Recent discussions about "phantom" power loads have prompted me to consider the energy consumption of devices left plugged in. I recently acquired a Chromecast and am wondering if I should unplug it, or at least switch it off, when not in use.
The Chromecast feels warm to the touch, suggesting it might be using more power than anticipated. Is my concern justified, or am I unnecessarily worried?
Sincerely,
Chrome Curious

It's understandable why this is a confusing topic. You are right to point out the existence of energy-draining devices. A previous reader inquired about the energy usage of their cable box and DVR, and the results confirmed they are significant energy consumers.

Chromecast's Energy Efficiency

However, not all devices are equally power-hungry. Despite offering a comprehensive multimedia experience, remaining warm to the touch, and being designed for continuous operation, the Chromecast is remarkably power efficient.

Let's explore the reasons why it’s generally advisable to keep your Chromecast – and other compact streaming HDMI sticks – consistently plugged in.

Minimal Power Consumption: The Chromecast utilizes a very small amount of power when idle.
Fast Startup: Leaving it plugged in ensures a quicker and more seamless streaming experience.
Automatic Updates: A connected Chromecast can automatically download and install software updates.

The convenience and minimal energy cost typically outweigh the benefits of unplugging the device.

Streaming Devices Exhibit Remarkable Energy Efficiency

These devices are notably efficient in their power usage. Initial assumptions suggested low consumption based on the Chromecast’s power transformer specifications, but precise measurements were necessary. We connected a Chromecast to a Kill-a-Watt power meter – the same instrument utilized in our previous article detailing energy usage measurement – to obtain concrete data.

Related: A Guide to Measuring Your Energy Use from How-To Geek.

Following a 48-hour testing period, encompassing both idle states and intensive use with HD video playback, we analyzed the Kill-a-Watt readings. The results were surprisingly low: a consistent 1.8 watts. Regardless of idle duration or video streaming volume, power consumption remained stable at 1.8 watts, with only minor variations of 0.1 watts.

What is the practical implication of this? At the U.S. average energy cost of 12.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, the annual expense of operating the Chromecast continuously is approximately $1.97. This means it would take over 15 years of 24/7 operation to accumulate energy costs equivalent to the device’s average purchase price of $30.

However, even these small fluctuations accumulate over time. The Kill-a-Watt’s projection estimates a real-world cost as low as $1.09 annually, extending the energy-cost-to-purchase-cost ratio to 27 years of continuous use.

To further investigate, we also tested Amazon’s Fire TV Stick with the Kill-a-Watt meter. The Fire TV Stick demonstrated comparable power consumption, fluctuating slightly between 1.6 and 1.8 watts throughout the testing period. The Kill-a-Watt predicted an annual operating cost of just over $1.

While we were unable to conduct a test on the Roku Stick, its design and power transformer size suggest similar energy consumption levels.

Consequently, even with constant operation, your Chromecast is likely the most energy-efficient device in your home. You can confidently utilize it throughout the day without significant financial or environmental concerns.

Maintaining Peak Performance: The Benefits of Continuous Power

It has been demonstrated that the advantages, both environmentally and economically, of disconnecting devices are minimal. The effort required to regularly unplug and reconnect electronics – such as reaching behind a television – likely outweighs the modest cost savings for many individuals.

A key advantage of keeping devices consistently powered on is ensuring they remain current with the latest software and data. The probability of a streaming device initiating an update precisely when you intend to use it is extremely low if it's left plugged in continuously.

Conversely, if a device is unplugged, the likelihood of an update occurring right before you want to watch something increases significantly. This is because the available update time and your desired usage time become more aligned.

To consistently enjoy the most refined user experience – encompassing updated firmware, refreshed thumbnails, personalized recommendations, and efficiently cached content – it is recommended to leave your devices plugged in at all times. Avoid unnecessary delays caused by booting up or firmware updates.

Why Constant Connectivity Matters

Up-to-date Firmware: Ensures optimal performance and security.
Refreshed Content: Provides the latest thumbnails and suggestions.
Cached Data: Allows for faster loading times and a smoother experience.

By maintaining a constant power supply, you eliminate potential interruptions and guarantee your device is always prepared for immediate use. This proactive approach to device management enhances overall convenience and enjoyment.

The Fragility of HDMI Ports

While not brittle like glass, HDMI cable connectors aren't built to withstand frequent insertion and removal.

These terminals are vulnerable to the stress of shearing forces. Consequently, many streaming devices include a short HDMI extension cable.

This extension serves a dual purpose: it enhances the Wi-Fi signal by relocating the device away from the TV's chassis, and crucially, it safeguards the streaming stick from potential damage.

Understanding the Risk

Each connection and disconnection cycle places strain on the HDMI connection. Over time, this repeated stress can lead to failure.

Even if your intention is to conserve energy by only powering your Chromecast or similar device during use, we advise against unplugging it from the HDMI port.

Best Practices for Longevity

Instead, disconnect the device from the power outlet. Modern devices consume minimal power in a standby state.

This approach avoids unnecessary stress on the delicate HDMI port, extending its lifespan and preventing potential hardware issues.

Related: What is the purpose of the Chromecast HDMI extender, and is it necessary?

Protecting your device's HDMI interface is a simple step that can save you from future frustration and repair costs.

HDMI-CEC Enabled Automatic Power-Up

Many contemporary HDTVs incorporate HDMI-CEC, a control protocol facilitating device management through HDMI connections. For Chromecast users, this translates to the potential for the device to power on your television utilizing the HDMI link.

HDMI-CEC allows interconnected devices to communicate and control each other.

It’s important to note that this functionality is contingent upon the Chromecast being powered on. If you desire the convenience of initiating playback on a streaming service, such as Netflix, from your mobile device and having your television automatically activate, the Chromecast must remain plugged in and operational.

Without power supplied to the Chromecast, the HDMI-CEC feature will not function.

Considering the minimal energy savings achieved by unplugging the device – often offset by minor oversights like leaving lights on – and the advantages of continuous operation, maintaining the Chromecast powered on consistently is generally recommended.

These benefits include immediate access to content, automatic updates, and the ability to control your TV via HDMI-CEC.

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