Even when you believe your devices are switched off, they could still be costing you money while on standby. This hidden drain on your electricity bill is known as phantom load or vampire power.
And it can accumulate to a surprising amount over time. Despite appearing off, some gadgets continue to draw small amounts of electricity and consume power, subtly increasing your electricity bills over time.
Standby power refers to the electricity consumed by electronic devices when they are turned off but still plugged in. While a single device may only use a few watts, the combined impact across all household electronics can be significant. Leaving devices on standby is a common habit, but it’s one that comes with a cost.
Solar Panel experts at GSL have identified three key offenders Scots should switch off to save money this winter, reports the Express.
Grant Store’s Renewable Energy Consultant explained: “Many appliances are designed to consume less power in standby mode, but they don’t stop using electricity altogether.
“Over time, this covert energy usage can result in higher bills, which is an unnecessary burden, especially during the colder months.”
For those looking to reduce their energy costs, fully powering down certain appliances could lead to significant savings. Here are the top three devices you should never leave on standby.
Firstly, Sky or Freeview Boxes are often left in standby mode for convenience, but they’re one of the biggest energy offenders.
“Boxes may seem harmless when left on standby, but they draw a surprising amount of power even when the TV is off,” the expert said.
“Fully turning them off at the mains when not in use can result in noticeable reductions to your electricity bill.”
PCs are another appliance to watch out for. Though standby mode speeds up start times, it comes with an energy cost.
“A PC left on standby can add around £10 to £15 to your annual energy bill,” the consultant advised. “It might not seem like much, but when combined with other devices, it all adds up. Shutting down your computer completely when it’s not in use is a simple step to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.”
Finally, games consoles often come with low-power standby settings, but these, too, consume energy.
“Gaming consoles are a staple in many homes, and while their standby modes are more efficient than before, they still draw power unnecessarily. Turning them off entirely after use is a straightforward way to save energy,” they add.
With the cost of living crisis still affecting many families, every small action to reduce energy usage counts.
“Switching off appliances at the mains might feel like a small change, but it can make a big difference to your overall energy bills,” the consultant concluded.
“By targeting devices that consume power on standby, households can save money and take a meaningful step toward energy efficiency this winter.”