As the cold weather persists and energy costs continue to rise, households are being urged to identify and unplug 'vampire devices' that drain electricity even when switched off. Energy specialists warn that failing to disconnect 10 common appliances could cost up to £140 a year.
According to experts at Electric Radiators Direct, these gadgets consume power on standby, adding an average of £12.36 to monthly bills. Over a year, this amounts to a significant sum that could be saved by simply turning devices off at the socket.
Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency specialist at Electric Radiators Direct, said: "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 added that £145 could cover a big food shop, two tanks of petrol, or a nice meal out.
Among the devices highlighted, electric hobs cost just 65p a month on standby, while lamps cost around 10p a month, totalling £1.14 a year. However, the cumulative effect of multiple devices can be substantial.
The advice comes as the energy price cap increases by 0.2%, adding further pressure on household budgets. By unplugging these vampire devices, consumers can reduce their electricity bills without sacrificing comfort.
