Five ‘vampire appliances’ that could be adding whopping £575 to your energy bill – and how to stop them
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HOUSEHOLDS are being warned about five "vampire" appliances that can add up to £575 a year to bills.
A number of gadgets drain electricity even when not being used, squeezing consumers even harder amid the cost of living crisis.
These are also known as "remote-ready" appliances as they remain on standby to be switched on by a remote.
They often have a standby or sleep mode or need just one button to wake them up.
Common so-called vampire devices include microwaves, TVs and games consoles.
Most will not make a vast difference to a household bill but some could cost users hundreds of pounds per year.
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According to , British Gas estimates that up to 23 per cent of UK homes' energy use could come from vampire appliances, that adds up to £575.
The largest financial drains were found to be Hi-Fi systems and Sky boxes on standby, both at an average cost of £142.50.
Other costly devices included unused laptop chargers at £115 and TVs on standby at £19.50.
The easiest way to stop these gadgets leaching money from your pocket is to avoid standby mode where possible.
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Other tips include making sure to unplug things like laptop chargers and turn off other devices at the mains.
Using extension leads can also allow Brits to turn off multiple vampire appliances at once.
Help with energy bills
There are plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you're struggling.
British Gas has recently confirmed that it'll pay its most vulnerable customers grants worth £750 to help with sky-high bills.
Ask your supplier what's on offer and how to apply, or check here:
There's also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment metre.
If you're in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free and friendly advice on how to manage debt.
TOP FIVE MOST COSTLY 'VAMPIRE APPLIANCES'
- Hi-Fi system on standby - £142.50 a year
- Sky box on standby - £142.50 a year
- Laptop charger not in use - £115 a year
- TV on standby - £19.50 a year
- Printer on standby - £19.50 a year
