**Beware the Energy Vampires: Cut Costs by Switching Off** As energy bills rise across the UK, households are seeking ways to reduce costs. Ofgem has announced a 2% increase in the energy price cap, now set at £1,755 for a typical dual-fuel household. This change comes at a time when many will rely more on gas and electricity to heat their homes. To combat these rising costs, experts suggest turning off certain 'vampire devices' that consume electricity even when not in active use. These devices can significantly inflate energy bills, and simply switching them off at the plug can lead to substantial savings. Research has identified four common vampire devices that can drain your finances: 1. **Kettles**: Surprisingly, kettles are among the worst offenders. A study of 2,000 British homeowners revealed that kettles are often left plugged in for about 4.7 hours daily, costing households around £4.79 per day, or approximately £140 monthly. The annual running cost of a kettle is estimated at £71.76, based on a usage cost of £0.05 per use. 2. **Televisions**: The standby mode of televisions can also add to energy bills. British Gas found that leaving a TV on standby could cost as much as £24.61 annually, with an average standby time of 19.9 hours per day. However, other sources suggest the annual standby cost could be as low as 51p. 3. **Wi-Fi Routers**: Many people forget to turn off their Wi-Fi routers, which can be costly. Data from ISPreview indicates that idle routers can cost around £26.57, while heavy usage could push costs to £58.43. Estimates suggest that typical routers may cost between £10 and £50 per year, depending on their power consumption and usage patterns. 4. **Computers**: Even when turned off, computers can continue to draw power, particularly through their power supply units. Research from Quotezone suggests that users could be spending up to £86 annually by not switching their computers off at the plug. In contrast, British Gas estimates a lower annual cost of £11.22. By being mindful of these devices and turning them off when not in use, households can potentially save hundreds of pounds each year on their energy bills. As the colder months approach, taking these simple steps could help mitigate the impact of rising energy costs.