The nine vampire energy sucking appliances you need to switch off now and save money
WITH energy prices are set to go up again in a matter of days experts have warned households to watch out for devices that could be driving up your bills without you realising.
Experts have highlighted nine ‘vampire appliances’ that suck energy and drive up bills even when not in use.
We’ve all left the television on standby overnight or our laptop plugged into the mains when we’re not using it.
But, while the individual appliances may not be costing you a fortune, the combined impact could be adding more than £150 to your bills every year.
Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance expert at Domestic & General, said, “Unplugging your appliances isn’t just a smart way to save energy and reduce your bills – it’s also an important safety measure.
“Electrical faults, such as power surges or overheating, can occur even when devices are not in use, posing a potential fire risk.
“In 2024 alone, faulty appliances and wiring were responsible for 3,486 house fires in the UK.
“So, if energy savings aren’t your priority, consider this: unplugging your appliances could help protect your home and loved ones while you sleep.”
Here are the nine appliances you should stop leaving on standby or even reconsider altogether, if you want to reduce your bills this year.
Fridges
Obviously, you need to keep your food cool and experts aren’t suggesting switching off your primary fridge.
But, many of us now have an additional fridge or chiller in our homes and this luxury is seriously energy hungry.
So, you might want to consider whether its really worth running a separate fridge to keep your evening drink cool.
Fridges and freezers account for about 13% of the average household’s energy bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
An F-rated 424-litre fridge-freezer will set you back around £75 a year (£95 in Northern Ireland), while a G-rated 265-litre fridge-freezer costs £70 a year to run (£90 in Northern Ireland).
The trust advises that if you do run and extra fridge, choose the smallest and most energy efficient you can.
Televisions
Televisions are one of the most common vampire appliances found in homes.
When in use TVs use about 58.6watts of energy an hour, according to appliance repair service Domestic & General.
But, even on standby your television is using 1.3watts of energy an hour, so being able to quickly turn the device on using a remote control could be costing you about £25 a year.
And, if you also have a Sky box or other receiver plugged in, it is likely to be using the same amount of energy while on standby.
Microwaves
You probably don’t think twice about leaving your microwave plugged in, but doing so could be adding to your energy bills.
Domestic & General has said the appliances continue to use energy, even when not being used to heat food, including to display the clock and await commands.
The experts calculated that not turning your microwave off at the mains when it’s not in use could cost you an additional £16 a year.
Dishwashers
Similarly, your dishwasher could be costing you money even when its not in use.
If you’re not switching it off at the plug between usages, it’s on standby and using electricity.
Domestic & General has estimated this could set you back about £6 a year.
Tumble dryer
Likewise, your tumble dryer could be costing you more than you think.
If it’s plugged in, it’s using electricity and failing to turn it off between spins could cost you £5 a year according to Domestic & General.
It may not be a huge sum, but if you’re leaving multiple appliances plugged in all the time the bills will quickly add up.
Laptop
Many of those who work from home will leave their laptop plugged into the mains all the time.
But, while it may be convenient it’s costing you.
Specialists at Boiler Central have said that a laptop on standby will use around 3watts an hour, costing you about £8.70 over a year.
Alarm clock
If you continue to rely on an old school alarm clock to wake you up in the morning you might want to consider turning it off at the mains during the day.
Your electric alarm clock will be using electricity throughout the day if it’s left plugged in and it could cost you almost £6 a year.
Smart speaker
Many homes now have a smart speaker that sits plugged in 24/7.
But, if there are periods of time where your speaker isn’t in use, it might be worth considering turning it off at the plug.
Boiler Central has said failing to do so could be adding almost £6 a year to your energy bills.
Games consoles
Games consoles might be entertaining, but leave them on standby when you’re not playing and they could be yet another appliance sucking your energy and pushing up your bills.
Even on standby your games console is using power and leaving it on all the time, could be adding £3 a year to your energy bills.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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