Many common household gadgets quietly consume electricity even when not in active use, a phenomenon often dubbed as ‘vampire’ power drain. Recent analysis reveals that these power-hungry devices could be costing the average household around £66 annually.
For instance, leaving a TV on standby for 20 hours a day can add up to about £7.30 each year. Similarly, digital TV boxes draw approximately 0.4p per hour on standby, which translates to £35.04 annually. Gaming consoles left idle for extended periods consume roughly the same as a TV in standby mode, costing an estimated £7.30 per year.
Other everyday electronics also contribute to this hidden energy use. Microwaves, even when not in use, draw about 1 watt of power, adding around £2.63 to your yearly bill. Smart speakers consume 2.5 watts on standby, costing about £8.76 annually if left on constantly. Additionally, phones and laptops left plugged in after charging continue to use energy at roughly 3.5 watts, totaling approximately £4.80 a year based on 12 hours of daily charging.
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Phil Steele, Future Technologies Evangelist at Octopus Energy, emphasizes, “With the sheer number of electronics in our homes, idle power consumption is now a widespread concern.” He advises being mindful of devices left on standby, especially TVs and gaming consoles that children or family members may accidentally leave on.
Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at Uswitch.com, adds, “Older electronics often use more electricity on standby than newer models. Turning off devices at the wall can significantly cut down unnecessary power use.” He recommends checking energy labels to gauge consumption during active use, though these do not always reflect standby power. Using smart meters can help households monitor real-time energy use and identify devices that are silently inflating bills.
Octopus Energy customers can take advantage of tools like the free Home Mini to track their energy consumption live, empowering them to make informed decisions about powering down gadgets and reducing wasteful energy loss.
By being aware of these ‘vampire’ power drains and taking simple steps like turning off devices completely, consumers can prevent their energy bills from quietly creeping higher.