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Unplug These Devices to Slash Your Energy Costs by Hundreds
18 Nov
Summary
- Idle appliances like TVs, consoles, and microwaves add 6% to energy bills
- Older tech uses more power; new models have lower running costs
- Leaving devices on standby can cost £7-£193 per year
As of November 18th, 2025, many households are facing skyrocketing energy bills, and the culprit may be "vampire" tech that sucks up electricity even when not in use. According to the article, appliances like TVs, game consoles, laptops, and microwaves are all guilty of adding to energy costs, often in the dead of night.
While these devices may use relatively small amounts of power individually, their combined idle consumption can account for around 6% of a household's total energy costs. Older, less efficient models are likely to be the biggest energy vampires, so upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient devices can lead to significant savings.
The article provides specific examples of the costs associated with leaving certain devices on standby. A games console left in standby mode for 20 hours a day can cost £7.30 per year, while a TV on standby for the same duration adds £7 annually. Even a microwave that's not being used can rack up £2.63 per year in standby costs. Experts recommend using smart plugs or timer plugs to automatically shut down devices when not in use, as well as adjusting power settings on computers, TVs, and other electronics.
By being more mindful of their energy-guzzling gadgets, consumers can take steps to tame these "vampire" tech devices and reduce their overall energy bills.
