Turning off vampire appliances could save you hundreds of pounds.
‘Vampire appliances’ is a term used to describe household appliances that continue to draw power even when they are not in use or in standby mode.
These appliances can account for a significant portion of a household’s electricity use and contribute to higher energy bills and unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Vampire appliances are often designed to stay in standby mode so that they can quickly resume operation when needed.
However, this feature also means that they continue to consume energy even when not actively in use.
The amount of energy consumed by vampire appliances varies depending on the type and model of the appliance, but it can add up over time.
Turning these so-called ‘vampire appliances’ off can save money.
With inflation at 10.5% and energy bills for the average household standing at £2,500 a year every penny counts.
Here are some of the most common devices and how much it costs to keep them switched on.
Extra Fridges
Cost per year: £119
You may own an extra fridge to store food or drink for a special occasion.
Some families may even have one that is dedicated to drinks.
But if this fridge is left empty most of the time, you could be wasting money.
According to smart meter data analyst Loop, this could increase your yearly bills by approximately £119.
Desktop Computers
Cost per year: £95
If you have been working from home since the Covid-19 pandemic, your electricity bill may be higher.
But keeping your computer switched on or on standby at the end of the day could be wasting money.
Loop estimates that failing to turn your computer off could cost you an extra £95 a year.
If you have the money, it might be cheaper to buy a laptop as it will not need to be plugged into the socket, only when it needs charging.
Electric Heater
Cost per year: £887
An electric heater can help reduce your bills by only heating a room you are using or adding extra warmth to your home.
But the costs can be high if you leave it on in an unused room and if there are no smart controls to time when it goes off.
Loop estimates that leaving an electric heater on to heat an empty home 40% of the time could cost £887 annually.
Electric Towel Rail
Cost per year: £179
An electric towel rail can warm up your towels or help dry your clothes.
But this comes with a cost, especially if it is not being used. It can cost around £179 a year.
A cheaper alternative would be to place any towels on your radiator instead.
This will use the heat you are already producing to maximum effect.
Outdoor Security Lights
Cost per year: £60
Security lights are an effective way to deter burglars and keep an eye on who is at your door when it is dark.
They turn on automatically once someone is nearby.
But oversensitive lighting that turns on too easily can see you pay around £60 a year extra.
If they don’t have LED bulbs already, you should use these as they’ll help you save on your bills.
These ‘vampire appliances’ may make your life easier but they can increase your energy bills if you leave them on standby.
So, to save money, it is recommended to switch off devices completely when not using them.
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