The Real Cost of Standby Power and How to Reduce It

Many homes in the UK leave their electrical appliances plugged in. They think it doesn’t use much electricity when the appliances are off. However, standby power, also known as phantom load or vampire energy, can add a lot to energy bills over time.

The Energy Saving Trust says the average UK household wastes between £65 and £100 every year just on standby power. Even with newer TVs and smart home devices that use less energy, having several devices on standby can waste a lot of power quickly.

What is Standby Power and Why Does It Cost You Money?

Standby power is the energy that devices use when they are plugged into an outlet but not in use. Many electrical appliances still consume some energy, even if they are shut off. This includes items like TVs, printers, mobile phone chargers, laptops, and microwaves.

• Standby mode helps devices start quickly without needing a complete restart.
• Smart home devices and appliances with remote controls usually use less energy when they are waiting for a command.
• Even if an appliance looks off, it might still use power to check for updates, display a clock, or stay connected to Wi-Fi.

How Much Energy Do Standby Devices Use?

According to Ofgem, standby power can account for 6-10 percent of an average household’s electricity bill.

Here are some common vampire devices and how much power they use on standby:

Even small appliances, like mobile phone chargers and kettles, use a lot of energy if they stay plugged in all the time. A single appliance on standby may not seem costly. However, when you look at many devices in an average household, they can add up. Turning them off properly can lead to significant savings.

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Easy Ways to Reduce Standby Power and Lower Your Energy Bill

Reducing standby power is an easy way to cut down on your annual energy bills. Follow these steps to help save power:

1. Unplug Devices When Not in Use

• A good way to reduce standby power waste is to unplug devices from the socket when you are not using them.
• Devices like printers, TVs, microwaves, and game consoles do not need to stay plugged in all the time.

2. Use Smart Plugs and Standby Savers

• Smart plugs let you turn off devices from a distance with an app on your mobile phone.
• Standby savers cut power to devices when they are not in use. This can help you save up to £50 each year on your electricity bills.

3. Turn Off TVs and Laptops Completely

• A lot of people leave TVs, laptops, and PCs in sleep mode instead of turning them off.
• Switching them off completely stops energy waste that comes from standby mode.

4. Optimise Home Energy Use with a Smart Meter

• A smart meter shows how much energy you use in real time. It helps you see which individual appliances use the most power.
• By checking daily energy usage, homeowners can discover ways to stop wasting energy and save more on their bills.

5. Reduce Energy Waste from Kitchen Appliances

• Keep your fridges and freezers working well. Set your fridge temperature between 3-5°C. Set your freezer to -18°C. This can save a lot of energy.
• Don’t boil more water in the kettle than you need. Heating extra water uses a lot of energy.

6. Set Up Timers for Heating and Hot Water Systems

• Many hot water cylinders and central heating systems run even when they are not being used.
• A timer helps ensure hot water and heating are only used when necessary.

How Much Can You Save by Reducing Standby Power?

By following the easy steps listed above, an average UK household can save up to £100 every year on electric bills.

Here’s an estimate of potential savings:

• Turning off vampire devices at the socket: You can save £65 – £100 each year.
• Using smart plugs or standby savers: This can help you save £50 each year.
• Unplugging the microwave and other kitchen appliances: You can cut down costs by £10 – £20 each year.
• Reducing unnecessary heating and hot water use: This might save you between £150 and £250 each year.

These small changes can lower your carbon footprint. They also increase energy efficiency and can help you save money on electricity bills as time goes by.