Reduce your energy bills by ‘never’ leaving 3 common ‘energy-draining’ devices on standby

White Uk plug socket

Reduce your energy bills by ‘never’ leaving 3 common ‘energy-draining’ devices on standby (Image: Getty)

Leaving on standby mode might seem like a convenient way to save time, but it can “quietly drain and increase your ”, according to the pros at the .

While standby mode reduces energy consumption compared to when a device is fully powered on, many gadgets continue to draw electricity even when they appear inactive. 

Over time, this adds up, contributing to the energy bills that have already risen to £1,738 since January 1.

Luckily, the energy pros have shared five of the most energy-hungry appliances “you should never leave on standby”.

They noted: “By switching them off properly when not in use, you can make a big difference to your energy bill and reduce your household’s carbon footprint.”

:

Get cleaning tips straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

TV satellite box on standby

Satellite boxes, even in standby, can be “sneaky energy drainers” (Image: Getty)

1. Satellite boxes

Satellite boxes are common household devices, but many don’t realise the impact they can have on their energy bills. 

These devices often feature a standby mode, but leaving them in this low-power state can still consume a surprising amount of energy.

Many people forget to completely power off their satellite boxes, thinking that standby mode is enough. However, simply switching off your TV while leaving the box on standby can lead to unnecessary energy use, which adds up over time. 

Satellite boxes, even on standby, can be “sneaky energy drainers”. Turning them off properly when not in use can make a noticeable difference to your energy bill.

Don’t miss… [TIPS] [COMMENT]

Screen standby light

A desktop computer left in standby can cost around £10 to £15 per year in electricity (Image: Getty)

2. Desktop computers

Although leaving a desktop computer on standby mode can make logging into work quicker, it can quietly increase your energy costs. Even when not in use, desktop computers still consume power in standby mode, which adds up over time.

On average, a desktop computer left on standby can cost around £10 to £15 per year in electricity. 

Though this might seem like a small amount, turning off your desktop completely when you’re not using it can lead to “noticeable savings”.

3. Games consoles

High-powered gaming consoles come with energy-saving features, but they also have their downsides. These devices often include an on/off switch that puts them into a low-power standby mode.

However, many users either forget to fully switch them off or turn off the TV while leaving the console running, which can lead to unnecessary costs. According to experts, gaming consoles account for around six percent of a typical household’s energy bill.

While this may not seem significant, over time, turning off your console can lead to considerable savings. The  also recommends keeping consoles updated, as this can enhance energy efficiency.

Related Posts


This will close in 0 seconds