Leaving these devices on standby could be costing you over £600 a year

With costs rising consistently each year, it's important to explore ways to keep bills as low as possible. Knowing how costly devices can prove when left on standby is a good place to start.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, now is a great time to look out for some expert-backed tips to help you save energy and save money in your home. Even when your home is considered healthy in energy terms, it's all too easy to waste energy without even realising it's happening.

That's why we wanted to share this expert advice on the top devices that are quietly using heaps of energy while in standby mode. And with possible losses of over £600 at stake, you'll want to know which electrical products in your home you need to be switching off properly.

Leaving these devices on standby could cost you hundreds

In the same way we strive to warm our homes for less during winter, being smart with your energy use all year round is a good way to make a difference to your monthly bills. However, it's all too common for homeowners to not even know the cost of their devices when in standby.

“It’s worrying that nearly six in 10 people still leave their appliances on standby, especially when this could be costing households hundreds of pounds per year," explains Helen Rolph, energy saving expert at QuoteZone.

“Our research shows that a third of Brits don’t realise just how much money they could save by unplugging unused devices. With energy prices still high and many families looking for ways to cut costs, turning appliances fully off is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take," she adds.

Helen Rolph

Helen is a trusted insurance expert and has been at Quotezone for over 15 years. Specialising in home, health, and energy comparisons, Helen ensures customers can access reliable insurance solutions from reputable UK providers.

1. Outside lights

An estimated £135 per year of wasted costs. Although having outdoor lighting is a great way to make your garden look luxurious, it'll also increase your bills if left on overnight.

"Outdoor lighting left on overnight can drain a significant amount of energy. For example, two 60W outside lights left on for 10 hours per night can add an extra £135 to your annual energy bill. You should also be cautious of over-sensitive outdoor security lights, which waste unnecessary power by triggering too easily," says Helen.

2. Extra fridges

An estimated £104 per year of wasted costs. If you're a master at hosting memorable dinner parties, you'll no doubt have a spare fridge that is a godsend in your busy months. While they're incredibly helpful for extra space, they use a significant amount of energy.

"Spare fridges in garages or utility rooms are convenient but costly. Maybe you’ve got an extra ‘beer fridge’ you used for a party, or an old freezer in the garage that came in handy over Christmas, but then forgot to switch it off," states Helen.

"Older models are far less energy-efficient and can quietly add over £100 a year to your bills just by staying plugged in," she continues.

3. Desktop computers

An estimated £86 per year of wasted costs. If you have expanded your home by adding a home office, you'll want to keep an eye on your desktop's energy use.

Helen explains why, saying, "Many home offices have desktops that remain on standby after use. Even when idle, computers continue to draw power to maintain background functions. Switching off the computer completely at the end of the day can save households £86 per year."

4. Faulty box recorders

An estimated £162 per year of wasted costs. It's not easy to keep up with the best TV shows coming up in January, which is usually where our trusty box recorders come in. However, while they are useful for saving our favourite shows, they need to be constantly running can get rather expensive.

Especially when they're older or faulty models. "Old or faulty set-top box recorders are among the worst standby offenders. These devices are designed to stay connected for scheduled recordings and software updates, meaning they draw significant power around the clock, even when you’re not watching TV," points out Helen.

5. Electric towel rail

An estimated £62 per year of wasted costs. Considered an enduring bathroom trend, having an electric towel rail in your bathroom remains popular. And although there's nothing like a toasty towel being ready when you're out of the shower, they are surprisingly pricey to run.

"Often overlooked, electric towel rails can use up a surprising amount of electricity. Installing a timer or switching it off when not in use can quickly reduce unnecessary waste," says Helen.

Read our expert advice on what you need to know before installing a heated towel rail

Want to make your home even cheaper to run? You might want to avoid these four appliances that are the most expensive to run and will increase your energy bill.