Don’t Let Your Appliances Wear the Night‑Time Mask of a Money‑Sucking Vampire
Even when your toaster, TV or lamp is switched off, they can still be drawing power from the wall — the infamous “phantom load.”
Why This Hidden Drain Matters
- Every UK household is estimated to waste around 40 % of its electricity on idle gadgets.
- That adds up to roughly £110 a year per household— or a staggering £2.2 billion for all UK homes.
- During the hottest part of winter, the National Grid predicts price caps could lift past £5,000 in the first half of 2023.
The Classic Vampire Culprits
- Televisions
- DVRs and video‑game consoles
- Satellite boxes (like Sky)
- Smart devices with displays (microwaves, printers, laptops, lamp timers)
One TV alone can cost you around £73 per year if it’s left plugged in day and night.
Work‑From‑Home Warriors: You’re Not the Only One Using These Traps
If you keep your laptop, printer or personal lighting on standby, you’re inadvertently fueling the energy vampire. Usually, the simplest fix is to unplug when not in use.
Quick Win: Unplug Everything You Don’t Need
- Turn off the battery charger before you leave the room.
- From late nights to early mornings, give your gadgets a break.
- Smart meters can spot the difference in real time—notice the drop and feel the savings.
Expert Insight
Marc Robson from British Gas says, “Every time the clock dials up, it’s a chance to reduce energy use, especially this winter. Turning off a few vampiric appliances can slash electricity bills immediately. With smart metres, the impact’s clear, and the motto goes: Turn it down or turn it off!
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