There are plenty of devices and appliances that people leave plugged in around the house that are actually costing them plenty of money and they aren’t even being used
Euro notes and a UK plug extension lead
Experts are warning that energy-hungry appliances could be costing the average household up to €720 a year, and have revealed the top ten standby culprits to look out for.
Despite the cost of living squeeze, many people still leave devices on standby overnight, with a recent survey from Quotezone.co.uk revealing 58% of people admitted to leaving electrical items switched on.
Over a third (34%) also said they didn’t realise they could be losing more than €114 a year to devices left on standby.
Research shows that up to 30% of a home’s electricity bill can come from appliances left plugged in but unused.
The worst offenders for standby consumption include faulty set-top box recorders, outside lights left on overnight and extra fridges that can cost over €114 each annually.
Easy-to-forget appliances like electric towel rails, desktop computers, digital TV boxes and multi-room speakers are also quietly racking up costs around the clock.
Helen Rolph , energy savings expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “It’s worrying that nearly six in 10 people still leave their appliances on standby, especially when this could be costing households hundreds of pounds per year.
“Our research shows that a third of people 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.
“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.”
A woman holding euro notes
Here are the 10 appliances costing households the most money on standby mode:
Faulty set-top box recorders – €185per year
Old or faulty set-top box recorders are among the worst standby offenders. These devices are designed to stay connected for scheduled recordings and software updates, meaning they draw significant power around the clock, even when you’re not watching TV.
Outside lights – €154per year
Outdoor lighting left on overnight can drain a significant amount of energy. For example, two 60w outside lights left on for 10 hours per night can add an extra €154 to your annual energy bill. You should also be cautious of over-sensitive outdoor security lights, which waste unnecessary power by triggering too easily.
Extra fridges – €119per year
Spare fridges in garages or utility rooms are convenient but costly. Maybe you’ve got an extra ‘beer fridge’ you used for a party, or an old freezer in the garage that came in handy over Christmas, but then forgot to switch it off. Older models are far less energy-efficient and can quietly add over £100 a year to your bills just by staying plugged in.
Desktop computers – €98per year
Many home offices have desktops that remain on standby after use. Even when idle, computers continue to draw power to maintain background functions. Switching off the computer completely at the end of the day can save households €98 per year.
Electric towel rail – €71per year
Often overlooked, electric towel rails can use up a surprising amount of electricity. Installing a timer or switching it off when not in use can quickly reduce unnecessary waste.
Digital TV box – €46per year
Like set-top recorders, digital TV boxes consume energy to stay updated and ready for instant use. Unplugging them overnight or when you’re away could save you up to €46 annually.
Multi-room speakers – €34per year
Whether it’s Alexa or a built-in sound system, these devices are always on standby waiting for a voice command or Bluetooth signal. That constant connection means they’re using power 24/7, not just when you’re listening to music. If you’ve got several dotted around the house, the cost soon adds up.
Router – €9.30per year
Routers are designed to stay on all the time, but if you’re heading away for a few days, it’s fine to give them a rest. While it might be a small saving, every little helps when you’re cutting down on phantom power.
Coffee maker – €2.06per year
Many coffee machines stay slightly warm or keep their display lights glowing long after you’ve finished brewing. It’s easy to forget, but flipping the switch after your last cup of the day stops it from quietly sipping energy when it’s not actually in use.
Microwave – €1.05per year
The microwave clock and sensor functions continue to consume electricity all day long. It may be small, but unplugging the appliance when not in use ensures every penny of energy goes towards actual cooking. Turning it off fully at the plug only takes a second, and it helps to keep even minimal phantom loads at bay.
