From next month, it is estimated that the use of so-called vampire devices is going to cost £XNUMXbn a year.
Many items in our home consume large amounts of energy, including washers, dryers, and refrigerators. However, most households are aware of these costs and only use items when needed. Yet many of us don't pay attention to small appliances that are constantly plugged in, like phone chargers, televisions, and microwaves.
Although these devices are often left in sleep mode and appear to be turned off, they are still actually drawing power. For this reason they are known as "vampiric devices".
Why do these devices cost money?
Anything left plugged into an outlet will consume power even if it is put into standby mode. Common vampire devices include:
- desktop computers
- To attach
- Printers
- satellite decoders
- stereos
- TVs
- microwave oven
- console games
- Phone and tablet chargers
In truth, these devices only consume a tiny amount of power when plugged in. However, when many appliances are left plugged in overnight, they can add significant amounts of money to your energy bills.
According to British Gas, the energy consumption of these devices accounts for XNUMX% of our electricity bill. In the UK, nutrition from these devices is believed to cost £XNUMXbn. When the cost finds its way up in April, that amount will rise to £XNUMXbn.
At a time when electricity bills are skyrocketing, it's essential to take steps to reduce your energy use. By October XNUMX, it is forecast that the electrical factor of a home's energy bill could reach £XNUMX. If that turns out to be the case, vampire appliances alone could cost the average household more than $XNUMX a year.
How can I prevent these devices from costing me money?
Fortunately, the steps you can take to prevent these devices from costing you money are very simple and straightforward. With the flip of a switch, you could save hundreds of US dollars a year. Then,
- When you turn off your television, be sure to unplug it from the wall
- Install a smart meter so you can see precisely how much electricity you use each and every moment of the day and how much that electricity costs you. Thanks to this information, you can alter your consumption
- Use extension cords for devices you typically leave plugged in overnight. By plugging your game console, TV, and satellite box into the exact same extension cord, you can turn all 3 off with the flip of a switch.
Following the steps above could save you a significant amount of money. After all, a Sky Box left on standby all the time can set you back €XNUMX a year, and every phone and TV charger left plugged in can set you back €XNUMX. As a result, the cost of vampire devices increases rapidly.
If not, how can I save money on my energy bills?
On April 1, the new cost will come into force. This is going to cause energy bills to go up fifty-four percent. To assist with this, the government has recently announced a series of measures that will ease the pressure on distressed households.
Unfortunately, aside from this government help and recent advice from Martin Lewis, there isn't much you can do right now to lower your energy bills. At present, it is always and in all circumstances convenient to avoid making an energy comparator and change the distributor. In truth, the best energy deals from the nation's best energy distributors can't beat the current cost cap.
If you're having trouble with your energy bills, you should first talk to your dealer. If you still have issues, there are multiple free support options.