Many households are unknowingly paying more than they should in energy bills, due to the silent energy drain from appliances left plugged in or on standby. This issue, known as “phantom load,” can account for a surprising portion of your energy costs. However, there’s an easy and affordable solution that could save you up to £65 a year without any effort.
According to electrician James Harrison of Fusion Electrical, one of the most effective ways to combat phantom load is by using a remote control plug kit. “Most people don’t realise how much energy they’re wasting just by leaving things on standby. But reaching behind furniture or down the side of the sofa to turn stuff off isn’t always realistic,” he explained.
“A remote-controlled socket means you can flick the lot off in one go — even from bed.”
For just around £12.99, a basic remote socket kit can be purchased online.
This simple gadget includes a plug and wall switch, with the option to buy a set of three for approximately £30.
These plugs work with a wide range of appliances such as televisions, lamps, routers, and gaming consoles, and once set up, they can start saving you money.
James highlighted: “Once you’ve set it up, you’re not bending down or crawling under furniture to hit switches anymore. Just click the button and it’s off.”
This simple action stops the wasteful standby power use and brings a much-appreciated reduction in your energy consumption.
For those looking for an even more advanced solution, smart plugs are another option, with prices starting under £10
These can be controlled via your smartphone or smart speaker, allowing you to turn off appliances from anywhere, whether you’re in the next room or out of the house.
The expert also pointed out that they can serve as a burglar deterrent by remotely turning on lights to create the appearance of someone being home.
However, James advised doing some research when purchasing, as low-quality versions may pose safety risks, warning: “Make sure you buy from a trusted seller, as cheap imitations have been flagged as unsafe in the past.”