Household appliances are silently consuming energy and increasing electricity bills without homeowners realizing, according to a recent survey. The so-called ‘vampire devices’ such as laptops and smart speakers are among the top 10 culprits draining energy in UK households. By simply turning these devices off, households could save up to £80, a survey by Quotezone revealed. Despite this, 82% of people were unaware of the concept of vampire devices.
The survey highlighted that a significant 55% of individuals leave their appliances on standby, resulting in potential electricity wastage of up to 23%. Common devices like desktop computers, laptops, gaming consoles, and televisions are the main contributors to this energy drain as they are often left on standby mode. Shockingly, 83% of respondents were unaware that their TV could be an energy-draining device, with 57% admitting to leaving it switched on throughout the year without unplugging it.
In addition to these electronics, appliances that use water like dishwashers and washing machines are also frequently left on standby. This oversight can lead to unnecessary electricity consumption and inflate energy bills by about 5%. Tiffany Mealiff, a price comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk, emphasized the importance of eliminating vampire appliances to reduce energy usage and save money.
By taking simple actions like switching off devices not in use, households can avoid paying for unused energy and significantly reduce their bills. Turning off the top ten appliances on standby could potentially save nearly £80 annually. While it may seem tedious, these small changes can make a substantial difference in the long term. The ten items identified as adding the most to energy bills yearly when left on standby include gaming consoles, desktop computers, laptops, smart speakers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, microwaves, televisions, and coffee makers.
It is crucial for households to be mindful of their energy usage and take proactive steps to reduce unnecessary wastage. By being more conscious of their appliance usage and implementing energy-saving practices, homeowners can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable environment.