Regarded as “vampire devices”, energy expert Gordon Wallis pointed out that some household appliances are sapping up energy even when you think they’re turned off.
Gordon, from energy firm Your NRG, said “chargers and adapters for phones and laptops are some of the most common culprits”.
He elaborated: “Even when they are not in use, they draw small amounts of power, which can accumulate over time.”
Another energy vampire is entertainment systems, such as televisions, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes – even when turned off by the mains.
Gordon explained: “These devices often remain in a low-power mode, ready to be switched on instantly.”
Other significant “energy drainers” are desktop computers and their accessories, including monitors and printers, when left on standby.
People could save up to £50 per year just by making sure the desktop is switched off and unplugged.
“Kitchen appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters may seem harmless, but even these small gadgets can waste power when left plugged in and not in use,” said Gordon.
“By unplugging them or using a power strip, you could save an additional £5 to £15 a year, depending on the number of appliances and their power consumption.”
Gordon mentioned Wi-Fi routers too, which may not use a lot of power, but is worth unplugging when going away on holiday.
Five vampire devices
- Chargers and adapters
- Entertainment systems
- Desktop computer and its accessories
- Kitchen appliances
- Wi-Fi routers
“By focusing on these specific ‘vampire devices’, you can take practical steps to reduce your energy consumption and save on your bills,” said Gordon.
By taking all these devices into account, when turned off properly at the mains and unplugged, you could save up to £105 on energy bills per year.
This is because chargers and adapters could be costing you £10 per year, depending on how many chargers you have and how much power they consume in standby mode.
Entertainment systems could be costing you around £20 per year and desktop computers could be taking up to £50 off of you per year just for being in standby mode.
Kitchen appliances may be costing up around £15 per year when in standby mode and the Wi-Fi router could be around £10 per year.
When you add all the little costs up it amounts to £105, which I’m sure you’d rather be using elsewhere than on gadgets you’re not using.
Your NRG is an independently run fuel supply and fuel distribution business for domestic and commercial customers, with a presence across the whole of the east, north and midlands of England.
