New research has revealed that leaving common household appliances on standby could be adding hundreds to annual energy bills. According to experts, these energy-hungry appliances could be costing the average household up to £630 a year and they have identified the top ten standby culprits to watch out for.
Despite the rising cost of living, many Britons continue to leave devices on standby overnight, with a recent survey from Quotezone.co.uk showing that 58% of Brits confessed to leaving electrical items switched on. Over a third (34%) also admitted they were unaware they could be losing more than £100 a year due to devices left on standby.
The study discovered that up to 30% of a home’s electricity bill can come from appliances left plugged in but unused. The worst culprits for standby consumption include faulty set-top box recorders, outside lights left on overnight and extra fridges that can cost more than £100 each annually.
Appliances that are easy to forget about, like electric towel rails, desktop computers, digital TV boxes and multi-room speakers, are also quietly accumulating costs around the clock. Turning them off when they’re not being used or at bedtime – around 10pm for many of us – can make a significant difference.
Helen Rolph, energy savings expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “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. 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.
“From bigger appliances like extra fridges in the garage or desktop computers, to easy-to-forget devices like towel rails, that often never get switched off, it all adds up. Now is a good reminder to watch out for phantom loads at home. We’ve already seen an increase in energy bills this month as the price cap increases by £35, so reducing standby waste could easily help recoup that cost and even lead to meaningful savings over the year.”
10 ‘phantom load’ appliances costing households the most
Faulty set-top box recorders – £162 per year
Defective or outdated set-top box recorders rank amongst the worst standby culprits. These gadgets are engineered to remain connected for programmed recordings and software updates, which means they consume considerable power continuously, even whilst you’re not viewing television.
Outside lights – £135 per year
Outdoor lighting left on overnight can significantly drain energy. For instance, two 60w outside lights left on for 10 hours per night can add an extra £135 to your annual energy bill.
Over-sensitive outdoor security lights, which trigger too easily, should also be approached with caution as they waste unnecessary power.
Extra fridges – £104 per year
Spare fridges in garages or utility rooms may be convenient but they come at a cost. Perhaps you’ve got an extra ‘beer fridge’ you used for a party, or an old freezer in the garage that was handy over Christmas, but then forgot to switch it off. Older models are far less energy-efficient and can quietly add over £100 a year to your bills just by staying plugged in.
Desktop computers – £86 per year
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.
Electric towel rail – £62 per year
Often overlooked, electric towel rails can consume a surprising amount of electricity. Installing a timer or switching it off when not in use can quickly reduce unnecessary waste.
Digital TV box – £40 per year
Like set-top recorders, digital TV boxes use energy to stay updated and ready for instant use. Unplugging them overnight or when you’re away could save you up to £40 annually.
Multi-room speakers – £30 per year
Whether it’s Alexa or an integrated sound system, these gadgets are always on standby, ready for a voice command or Bluetooth signal. This constant connection means they’re using power around the clock, not just when you’re enjoying your favourite tunes. If you’ve got several scattered around your home, the cost can quickly escalate.
Router – £8.13 annually
Routers are engineered to be constantly on, but if you’re off on holiday for a few days, it’s perfectly fine to give them a break. While the saving might seem insignificant, every little bit counts when you’re trying to reduce phantom power usage.
Coffee maker – £1.80 annually
Many coffee machines remain slightly warm or keep their display lights illuminated long after you’ve brewed your last cup. It’s easy to overlook, but turning off the switch after your final cuppa of the day prevents it from stealthily consuming energy when it’s not actually needed.
Microwave – £0.92 annually
The microwave clock and sensor functions continue to draw electricity throughout the day. It may seem trivial, but unplugging the appliance when it’s not in use ensures that every penny of energy is used for actual cooking. Switching it off completely at the plug only takes a moment, and it helps to minimise even the smallest phantom loads.
Energy calculations were sourced from Loop and Ofgem. The findings were based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK in October 2025, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.
