Energy experts have identified 10 household appliances that can cost households nearly £140 a year if left on standby. Known as “vampire devices,” these items continue to draw electricity even when they appear to be switched off.
As of July 1, the energy price cap rose by 13%, meaning the average household will spend an extra £221 on gas and electricity bills. Energy experts at Electric Radiators Direct have shared a simple way to save up to £140 a year by unplugging certain devices.
Which devices cost the most on standby?
A study by Electric Radiators Direct revealed the annual cost of leaving each device on standby:
- 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
How to stop the energy drain
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.”
“This means that it will be drawing out some electricity in the background, which is where the phrase ‘vampire device’ comes from.”
He added: “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.”
Potential savings add up
Hankinson explained: “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.”
