Some devices continue to consume electricity even when turned off.

Faced with this ‘vampire consumption’, manufacturers are trying to counter the phenomenon by equipping their products with automatic cut-off systems after a period of inactivity.

But many devices still escape this rule and draw electricity without anyone noticing – and there’s one in particular that’s the worst.

Home devices that secretly guzzle energy

According to a study by Infobae, some equipment is among the most energy-intensive, even when they are on standby.

From fridges to toasters to chargers left connected, these devices turn out to be real little energy guzzlers, adding their share to your annual energy bill.

The worst culprit? Your smart TV.

Your Smart TV is a ‘vampire consumer’

This device, even when turned off, continues to suck up energy discreetly. Between 0.5 and 3 watts are consumed while it appears to be at rest, which is equivalent to 2.5 to 5% of its active consumption.

Why would a TV consume energy in standby mode? Because it’s never completely turned off.

Silently, it searches for updates, ensures the continuity of its internet connection and performs other maintenance tasks.

While this may seem trivial, you only need to think about all those devices that are not unplugged in our homes to realise their cumulative impact.

This ‘energy theft’ could represent up to 20% of your annual electricity bill, a significant portion that often escapes our attention.

How to reduce your electricity bill

To reduce your electricity bill, there is nothing more effective than unplugging your devices as soon as you are no longer using them.

This tip becomes even more valuable if you have connected objects, such as a smart TV or other ‘intelligent’ everyday devices. Because, even when idle, these devices often continue torun in the background.

With an average of a hundred electrical appliances per household, every action to reduce electricity consumption can make a real difference.

Choosing LED bulbs or the Eco program on your washing machine are all small habits that add up at the end of the year.

In addition, in a home, energy spent on heating often represents the largest part of the bill. To reduce it, it’s crucial to control the temperature.

Simple actions for lasting savings

Keep living rooms at 19C and bedrooms at 17C, don’t heat unoccupied rooms unnecessarily and lower the temperature when you are away.

In the evening, close the shutters and draw the curtains to retain the heat.

Insulation also plays an essential role. From the walls to the windows, each well-insulated area limits heat loss.

To go even further, opting for a supplementary heating system, such as a wood or pellet stove. This can heat part of the home economically and ecologically.

Finally, we must not forget that hot water also contributes to the energy bill. Using a 55C tank and installing water savers on the taps are simple actions that reduce electricity consumption, while protecting the environment.

With a little effort and consistency, each household can not only reduce its bill, but do something for the planet too.