The top 10 so-called 'phantom load' devices could be costing some UK households up to £630 a year, according to a survey by comparison website Quotezone. The survey found that 58% of households leave appliances on standby, wasting 30% of electricity due to the energy they consume when they're not being used. 'Phantom load' is a term given to household electronics that are left on standby overnight. It can also be used to describe faulty, obsolete, poorly maintained or forgotten tech that is adding to your energy bill. In this article, we reveal the estimated cost of the 10 worst offenders.
How much does it cost to leave a device on standby?
Research conducted by Quotezone has revealed 10 of the most energy-draining appliances on standby, which we summarise in the table below.
| Electronic Device | The estimated annual cost of leaving the device on standby |
| Old/Faulty Digital Set-Top Recorder | £162 |
| Outdoor lights | £135 |
| Spare Fridge | £104 |
| Desktop Computer | £86 |
| Electric Towel Rail | £62 |
| TV Streaming Device | £40 |
| Multi-Room Speakers | £30 |
| Router | £8.13 |
| Coffee Machine | £1.80 |
| Microwave | £0.92 |
It is a timely reminder to look around your home and check every device that is plugged in. Once checked, make sure to unplug any unwanted or unused electrical devices, as they could be adding to your energy bill.
While turning off energy-sapping devices every night may seem too time-consuming for some, the savings can be significant and there are ways to make the task a little less onerous. You could consider plugging multiple devices into one extension lead, meaning there is only one switch to turn off at night or alternatively you could invest in some smart plugs which will automate the process for you.
Tips to avoid paying more than you need on energy bills
The latest research is a reminder that there are simple things we can do that can help reduce our energy costs. Below we have summarised some other tips that can help reduce your energy bill.
- Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree
- Use energy-efficient lightbulbs
- Upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances
- Wear the right clothes and close doors to keep heat inside rooms
- Take shorter showers
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature
- Check for draughts and fix them
For further money-saving tips, check out our articles, 'How to save money on your energy bill', 'How to save money on your household bills' and our 'Complete guide to the cost of living'. Another way to save money on your energy bills is to consider switching energy provider. Check out our article, where you can compare the best fixed-price energy deals.
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