Energy bills have been all over the place over the past two years. While no longer near the extreme highs seen in late 2023 and early 2024, they are still high and unaffordable for many. 

One thing that households may be doing that’s stopping them from saving as much money as possible on their energy bills is leaving certain home appliances on standby.

If left plugged in, some devices can still consume electricity even if they’re not switched on and in use - and some are more guilty of this than others.

Energy experts at Free Heating Scheme have shared three appliances to “never leave on standby mode”. In other words, standby means leaving appliances plugged in with the socket turned on.

They said: “Leaving devices on standby may seem like a time-saver, but it can steadily consume energy and drive up your electricity bills. Although standby mode uses less power than when a device is fully operational, many appliances still draw electricity even when they seem to be off. 

“Over time, this hidden energy use can accumulate, adding to the rising energy costs many households are facing this winter.”

1. Satelite boxes 

Satellite boxes are everyday appliances that can have a “surprising impact” on your energy bills. While these devices often have a standby mode to reduce power consumption, they still “draw a significant amount of energy even when not in active use”.

Many people believe that leaving their satellite box on standby is sufficient. However, simply turning off the TV while leaving the box on standby can “result in unnecessary energy consumption” that accumulates over time. 

Satellite boxes can be “big energy drainers”, and properly switching them off when not in use can lead to a “noticeable reduction in your energy bill”.

2. Desktop computers

While keeping a desktop computer in standby mode might offer quicker log-ins, it can “drive up your energy costs”. The pros warned: “Even in standby, desktop computers continue to use electricity, which can be costly over time.”

Typically, a desktop computer left on standby can add about £10 to £15 annually to your electricity bill. 

Although this may seem minimal, turning off your desktop completely when it’s not in use can lead to significant savings. Small changes like this can make a considerable impact on your overall energy bill.

3. Games consoles

High-powered gaming consoles come equipped with energy-saving features, but they also have their drawbacks. These devices often include an on/off switch that places them in a low-power standby mode.

Many users, however, either forget to turn off their consoles completely or leave them running while switching off the TV, leading to unnecessary energy costs. 

Experts estimate that gaming consoles contribute to about six percent of a typical household’s energy bill.

While this percentage might not appear substantial, consistently turning off your console can result in significant savings over time. The Energy Saving Trust also advises keeping your console updated, as this can improve its energy efficiency.