Regarded as “vampire appliances”, energy expert Gordon Wallis pointed out that some household appliances consume energy even when you think they are switched off.
Gordon, of energy company Your NRG, said “phone and laptop chargers and adapters are some of the most common culprits.”
He elaborated: “Even when they are not in use, they consume small amounts of power that can accumulate over time.”
Another energy vampire is entertainment systems such as televisions, game consoles and set-top boxes – even when they are switched off from the mains.
Gordon explained, “These devices often remain in a power-saving mode, ready to turn on immediately.”
Other significant “energy consumers” include desktop computers and their accessories, including monitors and printers, when left in standby mode.
People can save up to £50 a year just by making sure their desk is switched off and unplugged.
“Kitchen appliances like microwaves, coffee makers and toasters may seem harmless, but even these small appliances can waste power when left plugged in and not in use,” Gordon said.
“By unplugging them or using an extension cord, you can save between £5 and £15 a year, depending on the number of devices and power consumption.”
Gordon also mentioned Wi-Fi routers, which may not use much power, but it’s worth unplugging when you go on vacation.
Five vampire devices
- Chargers and adapters
- Entertainment systems
- Desktop computer and its accessories
- Kitchen appliances
- Wi-Fi routers
“By focusing on these ‘vampire appliances’ you can take practical steps to reduce your energy consumption and save on your bills,” said Gordon.
When all these devices are taken into account, you can save up to £105 on your electricity bills per year by properly switching them off and unplugging them.
That’s because chargers and adapters can cost you £10 a year, depending on how many chargers you have and how much power they draw on standby.
Entertainment systems can cost you around £20 a year and desktops can fetch up to £50 a year just from being on standby.
Kitchen appliances can cost around £15 a year on standby and a Wi-Fi router around £10 a year.
When you add up all the little costs it comes to £105, which I’m sure you’d rather spend elsewhere than on equipment you don’t use.
Your NRG is an independent fuel supply and distribution company for household and commercial customers, operating throughout the East, North and Midlands of England.
