Households are being urged to check which appliances they leave plugged in, as everyday devices could be adding to energy bills even when they are not being used. Many electrical items continue to use a small amount of power when left on standby, something often referred to as "vampire devices."
With energy costs remaining a concern for households, switching appliances off completely rather than leaving them on standby is one simple way people can cut unnecessary electricity use. ClearScore says electronics including televisions, printers and microwaves can continue using electricity when left on standby.
Cost of standby power
The company estimates that so-called vampire devices could cost the average UK household nearly £200 a year by leaving such appliances on standby. Other appliances commonly left plugged in around the home can include games consoles, computers, monitors, speakers, coffee machines, kettles, phone chargers and kitchen appliances.
Not every device will use the same amount of electricity while on standby, and some modern appliances use very little. But with several devices plugged in around a home at the same time, the costs can add up over the course of a year.
Advice for households
ClearScore advises households looking to reduce their energy use to switch devices off at the wall when they do not need to be running. This does not mean every appliance in the house should be unplugged. Some devices need to remain switched on for practical or safety reasons, while fridges and freezers obviously need a constant electricity supply.
Instead, households can look around rooms for appliances which do not need to remain on standby overnight or while nobody is using them. Although switching off one television or games console may not make a huge difference on its own, cutting standby power across several appliances could help reduce wasted electricity over time.
ClearScore said: "Simply switching these off at the wall can provide an immediate boost to your monthly budget."
Vampire device checklist
ClearScore's vampire device checklist includes televisions, set-top boxes/DVD players, games consoles, computers/monitors/laptops, printers, chargers, Wi-Fi routers, sound systems/speakers (such as soundbars or Alexa), cordless phones, electric toothbrush chargers, coffee makers with digital displays or timers, alarm clocks, other bedside devices like sun lights, dishwashers/washing machines (using the off button), and ovens.
