With energy prices remaining stubbornly high, UK households are searching for every possible way to cut costs. However, many are unaware that a significant amount of energy is being wasted by devices that aren't even in active use.
The Silent Energy Drain in Your Home
Specialists from the Energy Advice Helpline have issued a stark warning: appliances left on standby are quietly draining power and inflating electricity bills. While standby mode uses less energy than when a device is fully on, many gadgets continue to draw electricity even when they appear to be completely off.
The Express reports that there are three main culprits found in homes across the country that you should never leave on standby. The experts advise, "By switching them off properly when not in use, you can make a big difference to your energy bill and reduce your household's carbon footprint."
The Top Three Energy-Draining Offenders
1. Satellite Boxes
Many people remain oblivious to the fact that their satellite box is a significant contributor to their energy costs. These common devices often feature a standby mode for convenience, making it easier to power them up quickly. However, this reduced-power state leads to unnecessary energy consumption that accumulates over time. The specialists describe satellite boxes as "sneaky energy drainers" and recommend switching them off completely at the plug when not needed for noticeable savings.
2. Desktop Computers
The shift to remote working has led to a surge in desktop computers being used in homes. While leaving a computer on standby might speed up the process of logging into work, this habit has a direct negative impact on your finances. On average, a desktop computer left on standby can add between £10 and £15 to your annual electricity bill.
3. Games Consoles
Despite often having energy-saving features, games consoles remain a major drain on power. They typically use an on/off switch that places them into a low-power standby mode. A common mistake is neglecting to fully power down the console or turning off the television, which keeps the console running and inflates energy costs. Experts estimate that gaming consoles account for roughly 6% of a typical household's energy bill. While this percentage may seem small, turning consoles off completely can lead to substantial savings over the course of a year. The Energy Saving Trust also recommends keeping consoles updated, as this can improve their overall energy efficiency.
Taking Control of Your Energy Costs
The message from energy experts is clear: being vigilant about standby power is a simple yet effective strategy for reducing household expenses. Identifying and properly switching off these common devices can lead to meaningful reductions in your energy consumption and carbon emissions, providing both financial and environmental benefits.
