With colder weather approaching and the energy price cap rising by 13% from July 1, adding £221 to average household bills, energy experts have highlighted a simple way to save up to £140 annually.
Certain devices, known as "vampire devices," continue to drain electricity even when switched off, quietly increasing costs. Research by Electric Radiators Direct found that failing to unplug 10 everyday appliances could cost nearly £140 a year.
Devices to Switch Off at the Wall
The appliances identified and their annual standby costs are:
- Games console: £34.31
- Gaming PC: £22.19
- Desktop computer: £19.21
- TV: £14.41
- Speaker/Digital radio: £10.06
- Oven: £8.23
- Kettle: £5.26
- Microwave: £5.03
- Air fryer: £4.12
- Slow cooker: £4.12
To keep bills down, these appliances must be turned off at the wall, not left on standby.
Expert Advice on Standby Usage
Energy efficiency expert Stephen Hankinson from Electric Radiators Direct said: "Putting something into standby mode is not the same as totally switching off a device or unplugging it. You're only really putting the device to sleep."
He added: "This means that it will be drawing out some electricity in the background, which is where the phrase 'vampire device' comes from."
Hankinson explained: "It sounds so simple but switching your appliances off at the wall really is the best way to ensure you're not spending your hard-earned income on keeping things in standby mode."
He concluded: "The cost of a couple of coffees might not concern you however, £140 is a big food shop, two tanks of petrol or even a nice meal out. There really are much better ways to use this money than giving it to the energy companies."
