Energy experts have warned 10 ‘phantom load’ household appliances could be adding £630 annually to energy bills in UK homes — look out for these power-hungry devices
This Halloween, homeowners are being encouraged to unplug their “phantom load” appliances, as new research reveals households could be wasting hundreds of pounds each year on gadgets left in standby mode.
Energy experts warn power-hungry devices could be costing UK homes up to £630 annually, and have pinpointed the top ten phantom load culprits to keep an eye on.
Despite ongoing financial strains, many Brits continue to leave equipment on standby overnight, with a recent survey by Quotezone revealing that 58% of Britons admit to leaving electrical items switched on. Over a third (34%) also admitted they weren’t aware they could be losing over £100 each year to these vampire appliances. Moreover, studies suggest that up to 30% of a household’s electricity bill can come from devices left plugged in but not in use.
The biggest offenders for standby energy consumption include faulty set-top box recorders, outdoor lighting left on overnight and additional fridges that can each cost over £100 per year. Easily forgotten devices such as electric towel rails, desktop computers, digital TV boxes and multi-room speakers are also quietly racking up costs day and night.
Helen Rolph, energy savings expert at Quotezone, shared: “It’s worrying that nearly six in 10 people still leave their appliances on standby, especially when these so-called phantom loads could be costing households hundreds of pounds per year.
“Our research shows that a third of Brits don’t realise just how much money they could save by unplugging unused devices. With energy prices still high and many families looking for ways to cut costs, turning appliances fully off is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take.”
She added: “From bigger appliances like extra fridges in the garage or desktop computers, to easy-to-forget devices like towel rails, that often never get switched off, it all adds up. This Halloween is a good reminder to watch out for phantom loads at home.
“We’ve already seen an increase in energy bills this month as the price cap increases by £35, so reducing standby waste could easily help recoup that cost and even lead to meaningful savings over the year.”
Faulty set-top box recorders – £162 per year
Defective or obsolete set-top box recorders are among the worst culprits for standby power consumption. These devices stay permanently connected to enable scheduled recordings and software updates, guzzling substantial electricity around the clock, even when you’re not watching telly, reports the Express.
Outdoor lights – £135 per annum
Keeping exterior lighting switched on throughout the night can drain considerable energy. For example, two 60w outdoor lights left blazing for 10 hours nightly can pile an additional £135 onto your annual energy bill. Watch out for overly sensitive outdoor security lights, which squander needless power by activating far too readily.
Additional fridges – £104 per annum
Spare fridges in garages or utility rooms are convenient but costly. You might have an extra ‘beer fridge’ you used for a party, or an old freezer in the garage that was handy over Christmas, but then forgot to switch it off. Older models are significantly less energy-efficient and can add more than £100 a year to your energy bills simply by remaining plugged in.
Desktop computers – £86 per annum
Many home offices have desktop computers that stay on standby after use. Even when inactive, these devices continue to consume electricity to support background functions. Turning off your computer completely at the end of the day could save households up to £86 annually.
Electric towel rail – £62 per annum
Often overlooked, electric towel rails can consume a surprising amount of electricity. Installing a timer or turning them off when not in use can quickly reduce unnecessary energy waste.
Digital TV box – £40 per annum
Just like set-top recorders, digital TV boxes keep using power so they’re always up to date and ready to go. Switching them off overnight or when you’re not home could save you around £40 a year.
Multi-room speakers – £30 per year
Whether it’s Alexa or a built-in sound system, these gadgets are always on standby, waiting for a voice command or Bluetooth signal. This constant connection means they’re using power all the time, not just when you’re listening to your favourite tracks. If you’ve got several dotted around the house, the cost can quickly add up.
Router – £8.13 per year
Routers are meant to be always on, but if you’re away for a few days, it’s perfectly okay to give them a rest. While it might be a small saving, every little helps when you’re trying to cut down on phantom power.
Coffee maker – £1.80 per year
Many coffee machines stay slightly warm or keep their display lights on long after you’ve finished brewing. It’s easy to miss, but turning off the switch after your last brew of the day stops it from silently using energy when it’s not actually being used.
Microwave – £0.92 per year
The microwave clock and sensor functions continue to use electricity throughout the day. It may be a small amount, but unplugging the appliance when not in use ensures every penny of energy is used for actual cooking. Turning it off completely at the plug only takes a second, and it helps to keep even minimal phantom loads at bay.