Energy vampires are rising: which devices suck the most money.

Hidden vampires in your home electricity

According to The Sun: This Halloween, you will probably see vampires on the streets, but the real threat is waiting for you at home.

“Energy vampires” silently drain energy - and money - when they remain in standby mode or are used inefficiently, which can significantly increase your electricity bills.

This warning came after the energy price cap was raised on October 1st.

The average annual bill for households on a standard variable tariff, paid by direct debit, has risen by 2%, adding £35.14 to £1,755, up from the July cap of £1,720.

This figure is based on the average household consuming 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas annually.

However, your actual bill may be higher or lower than average, as the price cap only caps the maximum cost per unit of energy, not the total bill.

Approximately 35 million households benefit from this cap.

But be careful – your bill could be even higher than this average if energy consumption is high, so now is the best time to check for energy 'vampires.'

Experts from Uswitch identified four key “energy vampire devices” that can raise bills and cause financial problems.

Biggest energy offenders

Gaming consoles are the biggest energy offenders.

When they are in use, they consume 200 W of electricity, costing 5.3 pence per hour or £1.27 per day for 24-hour use.

In a week, that amounts to £8.89, and for a year - an astonishing £463.55.

Even in standby mode, gaming consoles continue to consume energy, using 4 W, costing 0.1 pence per hour.

Televisions are also significant energy consumers.

When in use, a TV consumes 97 W, which amounts to 2.6 pence per hour or 62.4 pence per day.

In a week, this would cost £4.37, and for a year - £227.76. In standby mode, TVs consume 4.85 W.

Microwave ovens also add to the problem.

Even when you are not using them, they consume 1 W of electricity.

Smart speakers are another culprit.

These devices consume 2.5 W when in standby.

How to calculate the costs of your appliances?

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to run your gadgets?

It's easier than you think, and there's a simple equation for this.

Cost = power (kilowatts) x cost per kWh (pence) x usage time

First, check the power of your device, which is usually listed in watts (W) on the label or in the manual.

Divide that number by 1,000 to convert it to kilowatts (kW).

Next, find out how much your energy supplier charges per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

This is usually stated on your bill - most standard rates are around 30 pence per kWh.

Finally, multiply the power of the device in kW by the cost per kWh, and then by the time used.

For example, you can calculate the cost of a single use (like reheating food in the microwave) or over a longer period, such as a week or month.

Gadgets that help identify your “vampires”

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said:

“If you are worried about rising costs, you can buy smart plugs that allow you to turn off devices via an app without having to unplug them physically.”

These smart devices use Bluetooth or WiFi for easy setup.

Once connected to your phone, you get full control through an easy app, allowing you to turn off devices from anywhere and even set up automatic schedules.

Ben noted that while the plug itself consumes energy, its costs are negligible and usually amount to less than £2 per year.

This small expense is easily offset by savings from turning off an energy-hungry gaming console or TV.

Available models from brands like TP-Link Tapo and Meross can be found for about £10.

Some versions even include energy monitoring, using an app to show which of your appliances are the biggest 'vampires' in your home.

What help is available to pay energy bills?

There are several ways to get help paying your energy bills if you are struggling.

If you are in debt, you can always contact your supplier to see if they can offer you a repayment plan before switching to a prepayment system.

This involves repaying what you owe in installments over time.

If you are offered a repayment plan that you think you cannot afford, reach out to them to negotiate a better deal.

Several energy companies have programs for customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility requirements vary depending on the supplier, and the amount of help depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers experiencing difficulties paying energy bills can receive grants up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers assistance through the British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the latter fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power also offer grants to customers facing difficulties.

Thousands of vulnerable households do not receive extra help and protection without signing up for the Priority Services Register (PSR).

This service supports vulnerable households, such as the elderly or individuals with illnesses.

Some benefits include alerts for power outages, free gas safety checks, and additional support if you are struggling.

Contact your energy supplier to see if you can apply.

The situation with energy consumption and electricity bills is becoming increasingly relevant, especially with rising energy prices. Knowledge about 'vampires' in electricity will help you not only save money but also reduce energy consumption. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the energy efficiency of your devices, as this can ensure not only financial stability but also environmental preservation.