# Vampire Appliances Costing UK Households £213 Annually New research identifies thirteen standby devices driving up energy bills amid rising price caps. - **Source:** [Daily Express :: Finance Feed](https://www.express.co.uk) - **Published:** 2026-10-15 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8900325f-6fe8-419f-8a38-2107004f4858 ## Hidden Standby Energy Costs New research from Quotezone.co.uk highlights the financial impact of vampire appliances left on standby. These devices collectively add approximately £213 to annual energy bills for UK households. With the energy price cap reaching 26.32p per kWh this month, the cumulative effect of these small power draws has become a significant concern for consumers. ## Consumer Behavior and Awareness A survey of 1,000 Britons revealed that 51% of households rarely or never turn larger appliances off at the socket. This lack of awareness leads to households squandering between 5% and 16% of their total energy through standby power. Many residents remain unaware that these devices continue consuming electricity while appearing inactive. ## Top Energy Consuming Devices Wi-Fi routers top the list of costly standby items, adding £34.80 annually to bills. Televisions follow closely at £32.70, with set-top boxes costing £26.70 per year. These three items alone account for a substantial portion of the total £213 waste identified by researchers, despite their essential roles in modern home connectivity and entertainment. ## Kitchen and Utility Waste Kitchen appliances contribute significantly to the total, with microwaves costing £23.20 annually due to their clocks and sensors. Additionally, dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers collectively drain £23.40 a year when left on standby. Experts suggest that simple habits like using wall switches can easily eliminate these unnecessary costs for homeowners. ## Impact of Remote Work The surge in working from home since the pandemic has increased the presence of laptops, computers, and coffee machines in residential settings. Laptops cost £7.32 annually on standby, while computers add £15.80. These devices are often left powered on throughout weekends and nights, contributing to the overall rise in household energy expenditure. ## Smart Devices and Connectivity Modern smart speakers and home devices remain in a constant state of readiness, costing users £13.90 per year. Because these devices are always listening for commands, they draw power continuously. Similarly, games consoles remain connected for background updates and downloads, adding £17.20 to the annual total of wasted energy costs for households. ## Strategic Mitigation Tactics Experts recommend implementing a 'switch off' policy before bed to include various appliances. While routers are designed to stay on, they can be turned off during multi-day absences. Checking for 'instant on' modes is also advised, as these settings keep electronics in a power-hungry state throughout the entire day, increasing monthly bills. ## Long-term Financial Implications With the energy price cap rising by 4% this month, managing standby power is a practical method to mitigate rising costs. Although individual appliance costs seem small, the combined annual expenditure of £213 represents a significant saving opportunity. Adopting consistent habits at the wall socket helps alleviate pressure on broader household utility budgets. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2257551/new-vampire-appliances-list-13-items-left-standby-costing-213 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._