Switching off your TV instead of leaving it playing in the background might feel like you’re not wasting any electricity, but if you’re not actually switching the device off at the plug socket, you could inadvertently be hiking your energy bill. Many devices still use electricity even after being switched off, and if you’re looking to reduce your energy bill, you might want to think about switching them off at the mains when you’re not using them.
If you’re looking to reduce household bills, UK energy firm Your NRG has revealed the ‘vampire devices’ that might be using up energy even when switched off. According to Gordon Wallis, energy expert at Your NRG, these hidden energy drainers can quietly add pounds to your annual bill if they are not turned off at the plug.
Desktop computers and accessories
You could be saving between £20 and £50 a year by turning off the biggest culprit: desktop computers and accessories. Leaving monitors and printers on standby when not in use is an unnecessary use of energy in the home and likely costs you a few pennies.
With many of us working from home, making sure you’re switching off your computer and monitor at the plug instead of simply shutting it down and turning the screen off should be an essential part of your afternoon routine.
TV
These days, TVs also come with a fair amount of accessories, and investing in an entertainment system could add up to £20 to your yearly energy bill. Your NRG recommends using an extension cord for TVs, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, making it easier to switch them off when not in use.
Chargers
Keeping our gadgets fully charged is always a priority, but leaving the charger plugged in is another “vampire device” that’s using up energy.
Chargers and adapters for phones and laptops are the most common culprits. They use small amounts of power even when not in use, which could cost you another £10 a year.
Elsewhere in the house, your kitchen could be draining a serious amount of energy. Microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters waste power when left plugged in. Your NRG also recommends using an extension cord for kitchen appliances, which could help you save up to £15 a year.
Getting into the habit of unplugging these devices around your home daily might be tricky to keep up with at first, but it is worth the savings you could see.
The energy experts even recommend switching off Wi-Fi routers if going away for an extended period. While they don’t use much power, leaving them switched off if you’ve gone on holiday or left the house for a few days could add another £10 to your energy bill.