Households can save £630 a year by unplugging these devices
These power-hungry devices could be costing UK households hundreds in bills (Image: Getty)
Property owners are being urged to disconnect their “phantom load” appliances this Halloween, as new research shows households could be squandering hundreds of pounds annually on gadgets left in standby mode.
Energy specialists are cautioning that power-hungry devices could be costing UK households up to £630 per year, and have identified the top ten phantom load offenders to watch for.
Despite ongoing financial pressures, many Britons continue leaving equipment on standby through the night, with a recent Quotezone survey showing 58% of Britons confessed to leaving electrical items switched on.
More than a third (34%) also revealed they weren’t aware they could be losing over £100 annually to these vampire appliances. Furthermore, studies indicate that up to 30% of a household’s electricity bill can stem from devices left plugged in but not in use.
The most significant culprits for standby energy consumption include defective set-top box recorders, outdoor lighting left on through the night and extra fridges that can each cost over £100 per year.
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Faulty set-top box recorders are the biggest energy-guzzling culprits (Image: Getty)
Easily overlooked devices such as electric towel rails, desktop computers, digital TV boxes and multi-room speakers are also silently accumulating expenses throughout the day and night.
Helen Rolph, energy savings expert at Quotezone, said: “It’s worrying that nearly six in 10 people still leave their appliances on standby, especially when these so-called phantom loads could be costing households hundreds of pounds per year.
“Our research shows that a third of Brits don’t realise just how much money they could save by unplugging unused devices. With energy prices still high and many families looking for ways to cut costs, turning appliances fully off is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take.”
She added: “From bigger appliances like extra fridges in the garage or desktop computers, to easy-to-forget devices like towel rails, that often never get switched off, it all adds up. This Halloween is a good reminder to watch out for phantom loads at home.
“We’ve already seen an increase in energy bills this month as the price cap increases by £35, so reducing standby waste could easily help recoup that cost and even lead to meaningful savings over the year.”
10 phantom load culprits costing households the most money on standby mode
Faulty set-top box recorders – £162 per year
Broken or outdated set-top box recorders rank amongst the most notorious standby power drains. These gadgets remain permanently connected to facilitate scheduled recordings and software updates, consuming substantial electricity continuously, even while you’re not watching television.
Outdoor lights – £135 per annum
Leaving outdoor lighting on overnight can consume a significant amount of energy. For instance, two 60w outside lights left on for 10 hours each night can add an extra £135 to your yearly energy bill. Be wary of over-sensitive outdoor security lights, which waste unnecessary power by triggering too easily.
Additional fridges – £104 per annum
Spare fridges in garages or utility rooms are handy but expensive. Perhaps you’ve got an extra ‘beer fridge’ you used for a party, or an old freezer in the garage that was useful over Christmas, but then forgot to switch it off. Older models are significantly less energy-efficient and can add more than £100 a year to your energy bills simply by remaining plugged in.
Desktop computers – £86 per annum
Many home offices have desktop computers that remain on standby after use. Even when inactive, these devices continue to consume electricity to support background functions. Shutting down your computer completely at the end of the day could save households up to £86 annually.
Electric towel rail – £62 per annum
Often overlooked, electric towel rails can consume a surprising amount of electricity. Fitting a timer or turning them off when not in use can quickly cut down on unnecessary energy waste.
Spare fridges in garages or utility rooms are handy but expensive (Image: Getty)
Digital TV box – £40 per annum
Just like set-top recorders, digital TV boxes keep using power so they’re always up to date and ready to go. Switching them off overnight or when you’re not home could save you around £40 a year.
Multi-room speakers – £30 per year
Whether it’s Alexa or an integrated sound system, these devices are always on standby, awaiting a voice command or Bluetooth signal. This constant connection means they’re using power round the clock, not just when you’re enjoying your tunes. If you’ve got several scattered around the house, the cost can quickly accumulate.
Router – £8.13 per year
Routers are designed to be constantly on, but if you’re off for a few days, it’s perfectly fine to give them a break. While it might be a modest saving, every bit counts when you’re trying to reduce phantom power.
Coffee maker – £1.80 per year
Many coffee machines remain slightly warm or keep their display lights illuminated long after you’ve finished brewing. It’s easy to overlook, but turning off the switch after your last cuppa of the day prevents it from quietly consuming energy when it’s not actually being used.
Microwave – £0.92 per year
The microwave clock and sensor functions continue to use electricity throughout the day. It may be a small amount, but unplugging the appliance when not in use ensures every penny of energy is used for actual cooking. Switching it off completely at the plug only takes a moment, and it helps to keep even minimal phantom loads at bay.
