8 Worst Appliances To Leave On Standby (UK Guide 2026)
Quick Answer
Leaving appliances on standby still uses electricity, known as “phantom energy.” In UK homes, devices like TVs, consoles, chargers, and smart speakers can quietly add £50–£100+ per year to bills. Turning them off at the wall or using smart plugs is the simplest way to reduce wasted energy and cut costs.
With energy prices still a concern in 2026, cutting unnecessary electricity use has become more important than ever. One of the easiest ways to save money is by tackling standby power.
Many appliances continue drawing electricity even when switched “off.” While each device may only cost pennies, together they can significantly increase your annual energy bill.
Appliance Standby Energy Relationships
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Standby mode → consumes → electricity continuously
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Household appliances → draw → phantom energy when idle
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Television → uses → power even when switched off by remote
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Gaming console → remains active → in standby mode
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Chargers → consume → electricity when plugged in unused
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Smart speakers → stay connected → to network and power
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Laptop standby → reduces usage → but still draws power
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Fridge freezer → runs constantly → due to cooling requirement
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Energy bills → increase → with multiple standby devices
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Power strips → reduce → standby energy waste
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Smart plugs → control → appliance power remotely
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Unplugging devices → eliminates → phantom electricity use
What Is Standby Power?
Standby power is the electricity used by appliances when they are not actively in use but still plugged in.
This includes devices waiting for remote signals, maintaining clocks, or staying connected to Wi-Fi.
Why standby energy matters
Individually, the cost is small.
Collectively, across an entire household, it can add up to a noticeable increase in your yearly energy bill.
The Worst Appliances To Leave On Standby
Some appliances use far more standby power than others.
Understanding which ones to focus on can help you cut waste quickly.
Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer is essential and cannot be switched off regularly, but it is one of the highest energy users overall.
It runs constantly to maintain temperature, meaning efficiency is key.
How to reduce costs
Keep coils clean and avoid overfilling.
A well-maintained unit works less and uses less electricity.
Laptop
Laptops are relatively efficient but still consume energy in standby mode.
Leaving one plugged in continuously can also affect battery health over time.
Typical standby usage
A laptop in standby uses only a few watts.
However, over a full year, that still adds up.
Baby Monitor
Baby monitors are often left on permanently, even when not needed.
They use low power, but continuous use increases total energy consumption.
Smart usage tip
Turn the monitor off when your child is awake.
Small changes like this can add up over time.
Alarm Clock
Modern alarm clocks and digital displays stay powered all day.
While each unit uses minimal electricity, they are always running.
Reducing usage
Unplug during the day if practical.
Just remember to reset the time before use.
Television
Modern TVs are rarely fully off.
Using the remote typically leaves the TV in standby mode rather than switching it off completely.
Standby vs active use
Standby uses far less power than watching TV.
But over a year, it still contributes to your electricity bill.
Smart Speaker
Smart speakers are always listening for commands.
This means they are constantly powered, even when not actively used.
Energy impact
They use a small but continuous amount of electricity.
Turning them off when not needed can reduce unnecessary consumption.
Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles often stay in standby mode for updates and quick start features.
This convenience comes at a cost.
Standby vs active use
Standby uses less energy than gaming.
However, leaving it on constantly still increases your annual usage.
Plugged-In Chargers
Chargers left plugged in without a device still draw power.
This is one of the easiest energy wastes to eliminate.
Simple fix
Unplug chargers when not in use.
It is quick, easy, and reduces unnecessary energy drain.
Appliance Standby Cost Comparison
| Appliance | Typical Standby Cost (Yearly) | Energy Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Television | £5–£10 | Medium |
| Smart speaker | £5–£10 | Medium |
| Gaming console | £3–£10 | Low–Medium |
| Laptop | £5–£10 | Low |
| Chargers | £1–£15 (multiple) | Low |
| Alarm clock | £5–£6 | Low |
| Baby monitor | £5–£10 | Low |
| Fridge freezer | £100+ (constant use) | High |
How Much Can You Save?
Switching off standby appliances across your home can save between £50 and £100 per year.
Larger households with more devices may save even more.
Where savings come from
Savings come from eliminating constant low-level energy use.
Even a few watts per device becomes significant over time.
How To Reduce Standby Energy Usage
Reducing standby energy is simple and does not require major changes.
Small habits can make a noticeable difference.
H4: Practical steps to follow
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Turn appliances off at the wall when not in use.
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Use power strips to cut multiple devices at once.
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Install smart plugs for remote control.
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Avoid leaving chargers plugged in unnecessarily.
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Check standby lights as a sign of energy use.
These steps can reduce wasted electricity without affecting your daily routine.
Are Smart Plugs Worth It?
Smart plugs are a convenient way to manage standby energy.
They allow you to control appliances remotely or set schedules.
When they are useful
They are ideal for TVs, gaming setups, and office equipment.
They help automate energy savings without manual effort.
Are Standby Appliances Contributing Significantly to Energy Consumption?
Standby appliances often remain plugged in, consuming energy even when not in use. This hidden usage contributes to overall energy costs, making it crucial to evaluate their impact. For a detailed analysis, the energy consumption of kitchen appliances explained provides insights into how these devices silently affect your electric bill.
FAQs
Why do appliances use electricity on standby?
Appliances use electricity on standby because they remain partially active to receive signals, maintain settings, or stay connected to networks. This standby power allows devices to turn on quickly but means they still draw energy continuously. Over time, this constant low-level usage increases household electricity consumption and contributes to higher energy bills.
Which appliances use the most standby power?
Appliances like televisions, gaming consoles, and smart speakers are among the biggest standby energy users. Devices that remain connected to Wi-Fi or require remote activation tend to use more power. While each device uses a small amount, having several in a home significantly increases total standby electricity consumption.
Is standby power expensive in the UK?
Standby power is not expensive per device, but across a full household it can add up to £50–£100 or more per year. The cost depends on how many appliances are left plugged in and how often they remain in standby mode. Reducing standby usage is one of the easiest ways to lower energy bills.
Does turning appliances off at the wall save money?
Turning appliances off at the wall stops them from drawing standby power completely. This eliminates phantom energy use and reduces electricity consumption. Over time, switching off unused devices can lower your annual energy bill without affecting performance or convenience when the appliances are in use.
Are smart plugs effective for reducing energy use?
Smart plugs are effective because they allow you to control when appliances receive power. You can schedule devices to turn off automatically or control them remotely. This prevents unnecessary standby usage and helps reduce electricity costs without needing to manually unplug devices every time.
Do chargers use electricity when not charging?
Yes, chargers still use a small amount of electricity when plugged in, even if no device is connected. This is because they continue drawing power from the socket. While the cost per charger is low, multiple chargers left plugged in can increase overall energy usage.
Can standby appliances cause damage or wear?
Leaving appliances on standby does not usually cause immediate damage, but it can contribute to long-term wear. Continuous low-level power flow keeps components active, which may slightly reduce lifespan over time. Switching devices off fully can help extend their longevity and reduce unnecessary energy use.
Is it safe to unplug appliances regularly?
It is safe to unplug most appliances regularly, especially small electronics and chargers. However, some devices like fridges or essential systems should remain powered. For everyday electronics, unplugging or switching off at the wall is a safe and effective way to reduce standby energy consumption.
Conclusion
Standby energy may seem insignificant, but across a full household it quickly adds up.
By identifying the worst appliances to leave on standby and making a few simple changes, you can reduce wasted electricity and lower your energy bills.
Turning devices off at the wall, using smart plugs, and being mindful of daily habits can make a noticeable difference.
