Households across the UK could save over £140 a year on energy bills by simply unplugging appliances left on standby, experts have warned as Ofgem's energy price cap rises by 0.2% this month. The increase comes as colder weather drives up electricity and gas usage, but many families are unknowingly wasting money on 'vampire devices' that draw power even when switched off.
New research from Electric Radiators Direct reveals that standby devices cost households £12.36 per month—more than £140 annually, equivalent to 16% of the average yearly energy bill. The calculations are based on the updated unit costs effective from January 2026. The top 10 costliest devices include games consoles (£3.03 per month), followed by other common appliances like kettles and toothbrush chargers.
Energy efficiency expert Stephen Hankinson explained: '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, meaning it draws electricity in the background.' He added that switching off at the wall is the best way to avoid wasting money, though he noted an exception: 'The one device we recommend not to turn off is the fridge freezer, unless you want spoiled food.'
Across 20 common household appliances, leaving them on standby costs up to £145 per year—nearly two months' worth of typical bills. Hankinson urged households to take action, saying: '£145 is a big food shop, two tanks of petrol, or a nice meal out. There are much better ways to use this money than giving it to energy companies.'
