BRITS waste more than £1.6billion a year on “vampire gadgets” that suck up electricity when left on standby, a study has found.
Telly set-top boxes were the biggest drain of all, costing £285million a year even when not in use.
1
Next were internet routers (£248million), televisions (£212million) and microwaves (£143million).
Around 24 million households have a set-top box.
The research found that 87 per cent admitted leaving them on standby rather than switching them off — costing them nearly £12 a year each in electricity charges.
A spokesman for British Gas, which carried out the study, said: “Brits waste 16 per cent of their electricity bills — £75 a year — on appliances left on standby.
These so-called vampire tech devices drain £1.6billion over the course of a year.”
SPRAY AWAY
Savvy shopper stocks up on 11 Ted Baker body sprays from Boots for just £3.50
SALE AWAY
Spring sales: Argos, Matalan and Dunelm have slashed up to 50% off items
FINE LINE
Martin Lewis warns all households could face a £1,000 fine from Sunday
FINE LINE
Brits MUST fill out Census 2021 or risk £1,000 fine from tomorrow
APPY DAYS
How to get £15 worth of McDonald’s for £10 tomorrow
LONDON’S CALLING
Four-storey £3m home with gym and champagne bar could be yours for FREE
Energy expert Marc Robson said: “Just switching off some appliances can help save straight away — and those with a smart meter will see the impact in real time.
“Turn it down or turn it off is a great motto.”
Top 12 vampire gadgets
- 1 Set-top box
- 2 Internet router
- 3 Television
- 4 Microwave
- 5 Games console
- 6 Computer
- 7 Smart speakers
- 8 Dishwasher
- 9 Tumble dryer
- 10 Washing machine
- 11 Printer
- 12 Mobile phone charger
Phillip Schofield offers to pay a caller’s electricity bill on This Morning
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
