The eight ‘vampire appliances’ that are adding £500 to your energy bills
TURNING off appliances and devices that drain your energy when left on standby could save you hundreds.
Experts have warned that leaving everyday items such as computers and security lights on can see costs rack up fast.
But you can save money by turning these so-called "vampire appliances" off.
With inflation at 10.5% and energy bills for the average household standing at £2,500 a year every penny counts.
So families will want to turn these gadgets and appliances off to save money in 2023.
Here are some that could be taking a bite out of your energy bills and how much it costs to keep them switched on, according to smart meter data analyst's Loop.
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Extra fridges - £119
You may have an extra fridge to store food or drink for a special occasion.
Some families may even have their own dedicated beer fridge.
But you could be wasting money if this fridge is left empty most of the time.
Loop says this could add around £119 to your yearly bills.
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We previously revealed the "ideal temperature" to set your fridge to.
Plus, how you've been using your freezer all wrong.
Desktop computers - £95
Your electricity bill may already be higher if you have been working from home more since the pandemic.
But keeping your computer switched on or on standby at the end of the day could be wasting money.
Loop estimates that failing to turn your computer off could cost you an extra £95 a year.
It might be cheaper to buy a laptop, if you have the money.
This won't have to be plugged into the socket the whole time.
Faulty set-top box recorder - £179
A set-top-box recorder is a great way to ensure you don't miss your favourite programmes and can catch up if you have been away.
But if the device is faulty or unused then you could just be recording a lot of energy use.
Loop estimates the cost of leaving a set-top box recorder is around £179 a year.
It costs around £65 to get a set-top box repaired, so it's worth it to save you in the long-term.
Outdoor security lights - £60
Security lights are an effective way to deter burglars and keep an eye on who is at your door when it is dark.
They turn on automatically once someone is nearby.
But oversensitive lighting that turns on too easily can see you pay around £60 a year extra.
If they don't have LED bulbs already, you should use these as they'll help you save on your bills.
Outdoor lighting - £150
Similar to security lights, many homeowners may keep lights on outside their home.
The lights can be useful if you are arriving home in the dark and may also make the exterior of your property look nicer.
But Loop estimates that keeping two 60 watt outside lights on for 10 hours a night could add £150 to your energy bills.
Traditional electric heater - £887
An electric heater can help reduce your bills by only heating a room you are using or adding extra warmth to your home.
But the costs can be high if you leave it on in a room that is not being used and if there are no smart controls to time when it goes off.
Loop estimates that leaving an electric heater on to heat an empty home 40% of the time could cost £887 annually.
Electric underfloor heating - £371
Underfloor heating can add extra comfort when walking around your home in the winter months.
But it is pricey to run.
And keeping your underfloor heating on for an extra hour per day could add £371 to your yearly bill.
It might be cheaper to ditch the underfloor heating completely and just stick to central heating.
Electric towel rail - £179
An electric towel rail can warm up your towels or help dry your clothes.
But there is a price to pay for this comfort, especially if it isn't being used - around £179 a year.
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Instead of using an electric towel rail, you could place any towels on your radiator instead.
This will use the heat you are already producing to maximum effect.
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