10 'sneaky energy vampire' appliances that drain electricity when left on standby

Household appliances could still be draining energy when you think they are off (Image: Getty Images)

This winter, the sting of soaring energy prices is set to leave many households feeling the pressure.

The aftermath of festive expenditure, combined with escalating bills, will see families scouring for money saving advice ahead of the New Year.

While traditional money saving measures like dialling down the heating and investing in LED lighting can chip away at costs, many Brits remain oblivious to "vampire appliances" that silently creep into our energy bills.

These are the type of gadgets that, even when switched off or on standby, still manage to guzzle up a surprising amount of power.

Energy supplier Utilita recently revealed that the typical British home has around 10 such devices constantly plugged in. To effectively exorcise these unseen energy thieves from your bill, it's important to known which ones are secretly seeping energy when you least expect it.

Energy bills can be sky high at this time of year (Image: Getty Images)

Fred Harrington, the CEO of Coupon Mister, recognises that Christmas is an expensive enough time of year even without the worry of extra energy bills heading into the New Year, reports Leicestershire Live. 

He said: "Saving energy in January is great, but it’s even better if you can start the saving during Christmas. The secret to this is to strike a balance between holiday cheer and common sense."

The experts at Coupon Mister added: "Your appliances might be sneaky energy vampires, quietly draining electricity even when not in use." Some of the worst offenders in the home include:

1. Games consoles

Modern gaming consoles are significantly more powerful than their predecessors, leading to a high energy consumption. Features such as instant-on capabilities, background updates, and quick-start settings keep them partially powered, resulting in unnecessary energy usage that accumulates over time.

2. Desktop computers

Desktop computers continue to use power even when not in active use, particularly if left in sleep or standby mode. Even in these modes, components like the motherboard and memory continue to draw power to remain ready for quick start-ups or updates.

3. Laptops

Laptops also consume power even when not in use, especially if left on standby or sleep mode. In these states, parts like the battery, screen, and background processes still use electricity to maintain operations, such as updates or ensuring a fast start-up.

Your laptop can still use energy even when its not in use (Image: Getty Images)

4. Dishwasher

While this appliance may be a less obvious choice, dishwashers have features like digital displays or sensors that stay on, drawing electricity to maintain settings or prepare for the next wash cycle. Additionally, if the dishwasher is set to standby mode, it still uses energy to stay ready for quick starts or programmed tasks.

5. Washing machine

Washing machines are essential appliances but even when they are switched off, many modern washing machines consume power in standby mode to keep features like digital displays, sensors, or internal clocks running. This small but continuous energy usage can add up over time, raising your electricity costs if the machine is regularly left plugged in between washes.

6. Tumble Dryer

Tumble dryers can be energy vampires if left plugged in when not in use, especially modern models with digital displays, sensors, and standby features. These appliances continue to draw small amounts of power to maintain settings or be ready for the next cycle, even when not operating.

Microwaves also draw power when not in use (Image: Getty Images)

7. Microwave

Microwaves also consume power in standby mode. Features like clocks, digital displays or touchpad settings stay active, using a small amount of electricity even when the microwave is not in use. This continuous draw of power can add up over time.

8. Smart speaker

constantly draw power to stay connected to the internet and listen for voice commands. Even when not in use, they remain on standby, waiting for activation. Features like voice recognition, always-on listening modes, and background tasks contribute to a steady power draw,

9. TV

Even your TV can be an energy vampire because it continues to use power even when turned off, especially if it's in standby mode. While in standby, the TV keeps features like the remote sensor, network connection, or quick-start functions active, consuming electricity

Even your coffee machine could be draining energy (Image: Getty Images)

10. Coffee machine

The humble coffee machine is another appliance that drains energy when kept in standby mode. By maintaining warmth or keeping settings ready for the next brew, it requires a constant energy draw.

To help minimise the amount of energy being wasted without you even noticing, Fred has shared three ways to help keep your appliance in check when they are not in use:

1. Unplug unused devices

Almost all household appliances are still calling for a low level energy supply, even when they are not being used. So, if you’re not using them, the easiest way to save money is to simply unplug them.

2. Use power strips

Using a power strip allows you to easily disconnect multiple devices at once. For added convenience, consider a smart power strip that automatically cuts power to idle electronics.

3. Energy-efficient upgrades

When replacing appliances, choose ENERGY STAR-certified models. if you can. While they may have a higher initial cost, they can save you a significant amount on energy bills over time.