British households are being urged to rethink their daily habits as energy experts reveal a common mistake could be adding hundreds to annual bills. New research highlights how leaving just one everyday device plugged in when not in use significantly impacts electricity consumption.
The Silent Energy Drain in Your Home
Energy specialists have identified televisions as major culprits of "phantom energy" usage. While many assume turning off the TV with a remote cuts power completely, most modern sets continue drawing electricity in standby mode.
"People dramatically underestimate how much power their appliances use when supposedly switched off," explains energy consultant Mark Steele. "A single television left on standby can add £40-£60 to annual energy bills - and most homes have multiple sets."
Which Devices Are the Worst Offenders?
- Televisions: Up to 60% of their total energy use occurs in standby mode
- Games consoles: PlayStation and Xbox systems consume substantial power when idle
- Smart speakers: Always-listening devices like Alexa continuously use energy
- Phone chargers: Left plugged in without a device, they still draw small amounts
How to Fight Back Against Rising Costs
Energy experts recommend these simple steps to reduce unnecessary consumption:
- Use power strips with switches to completely cut power to multiple devices
- Unplug chargers when not actively charging devices
- Enable energy-saving modes on all compatible electronics
- Consider smart plugs that can schedule power cycles
"With energy prices remaining high, these small changes can make a real difference to household budgets," Steele adds. "We're not talking about major lifestyle changes - just being more mindful about completely powering down devices we're not using."
