Most of us think about saving energy by turning the heating down or using appliances less. But one of the easiest ways to cut your electricity use is often overlooked: the devices around your home that quietly draw power even when you're not using them.
These are often referred to as vampire devices. They sit plugged in and ready to go, using small amounts of electricity while on standby. On their own the cost is usually small, but across a whole home and over an entire year those small amounts can start to add up.
With more devices plugged in than ever before, particularly in homes where people work remotely or rely on multiple screens and gadgets, standby energy use is becoming a bigger part of household electricity consumption.
The good news is that reducing it is often very simple. In many cases it’s just a matter of switching appliances off at the socket or unplugging them when they’re not needed.
What are vampire devices?
Vampire devices are electrical appliances that continue to draw power even when they appear to be switched off.
Many modern electronics remain in a standby mode so they can start quickly, display a clock or respond to a remote control. While this convenience is useful, it means a small amount of electricity is still being used in the background.
This standby power can come from a surprising number of everyday items, from televisions and microwaves to phone chargers and computer monitors.
Because these devices are left plugged in most of the time, the energy use can quietly build up across the year without being noticed.
The common devices draining energy at home
Looking around your home is a great place to start when trying to reduce unnecessary electricity use. Some of the most common standby power users include televisions, games consoles, laptops, monitors, table lamps and phone chargers.
Kitchen appliances can also contribute. Items such as microwaves, dishwashers and coffee machines often remain on standby so they can respond instantly when needed.
Many of these appliances use only a small amount of electricity individually, but when several are left plugged in across different rooms the combined energy use becomes much more noticeable.
The habits that quietly add to your electricity bills
Some everyday habits can also increase energy use without us realising. Leaving lights on overnight, keeping devices permanently plugged in, or allowing appliances to remain on standby can all add small but consistent costs.
For example, leaving a landing light on throughout the night can cost around £16 a year when using an LED bulb, and significantly more if older halogen lighting is still in place.
Microwaves and ovens that display a digital clock also draw a small amount of electricity constantly. While the individual cost may only be a few pounds each year, it still contributes to overall energy consumption.
Televisions and games consoles are another common source of standby power, particularly in homes where multiple screens are left plugged in throughout the day.
Devices used for work can also play a role. Computer monitors, laptops and other office equipment are often left in standby mode for long periods, especially in homes where remote working has become the norm.
Phone and tablet chargers are another easy one to overlook. Even when they are not connected to a device, chargers can continue to draw a small amount of power if they remain plugged in at the socket.
Appliances that should stay on
While unplugging devices can reduce unnecessary electricity use, there are some appliances that should not be switched off completely.
Fridge freezers are the most obvious example. Although they can cost around £75 a year to run depending on the model, they need to remain on continuously to keep food safe.
The key is focusing on devices that do not need to stay powered, rather than appliances that rely on constant electricity to function properly.
Simple ways to reduce standby energy use
Reducing standby power doesn’t require major changes. Small adjustments around the home can make a noticeable difference over time.
Switching appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby is one of the easiest steps. Using extension leads with a single switch can also make it easier to power down several devices at once.
It can also be worth reviewing which electronics are left plugged in permanently. Chargers, lamps and smaller appliances are often left connected out of habit rather than necessity.
While the savings from each device may be small, together they can reduce unnecessary electricity use and help keep household energy bills a little lower.
For more ways to cut energy use at home, take a look at our guide to saving money on heating bills.
