As energy bills rise by another 10 per cent and the £300 Winter Fuel Payment is scrapped for many, state pensioners across the UK are facing a tough winter ahead. With heating costs set to soar, pensioners are searching for every possible way to cut down on energy usage and reduce bills.

Energy experts at Grant Store are urging pensioners to take a closer look at the appliances they leave plugged in, as even seemingly harmless devices on standby can silently drain power and add unnecessary costs. One of the key tips from Grant Store is to unplug gadgets that quietly consume energy while on standby. "Many people don’t realise that appliances like TVs and PCs continue to draw power when they’re not in use," explains an expert from Grant Store.

"These devices are designed to remain on standby, ready to spring into action, but this convenience comes at a cost. Over time, the energy they consume adds up, and for pensioners already struggling with rising bills, every penny counts."

Some of the worst culprits for energy consumption on standby are wireless speakers, smart speakers, and sound bars, which can cost around £6 per year per device based on 20 standby hours a day. "While £6 may seem insignificant, it’s important to remember that this cost multiplies with each device left plugged in. For households with multiple gadgets, these small amounts can add up to a noticeable portion of their annual energy bill."

But the issue doesn’t stop at speakers. Vampire devices, such as chargers and adapters for phones and laptops, also continue to consume small amounts of electricity when plugged in but not in use. Unplugging these gadgets can save between £5 and £10 a year depending on how many chargers are left plugged in. "Unplugging devices might seem like a small thing, but it can help you build better habits and save money over time, especially if you’re watching your energy bills. Hidden costs like these can make a real difference for those on fixed incomes, such as pensioners," explains the Grant Store expert.

Entertainment systems, including televisions, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, are also notorious for wasting energy when on standby. A smart power strip can help cut power to all these devices at once, potentially saving another £10 to £20 annually, depending on usage.

Kitchen appliances, like microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters, may seem harmless, but they, too, can be energy vampires. Unplugging them or using a power strip could save an additional £5 to £15 a year, further reducing overall energy consumption.

Grant Store experts recommend making it a habit to unplug gadgets when they’re not in use or switching them off at the wall. Modern PCs, for instance, only take a few seconds longer to boot from a cold start compared to standby, so there’s little benefit in leaving them on standby while they quietly add to your bills.

"At a time when state pensioners are losing out on their Winter Fuel Payment, finding ways to cut down on energy costs has never been more crucial," says the expert from Grant Store. "Unplugging devices may seem like a small change, but every little bit helps when you're dealing with rising costs."

In a world where leaving appliances on standby can quietly increase your energy bills, taking just a few minutes to unplug these 'vampire devices' can help state pensioners manage their energy consumption more efficiently and ease the pressure this winter.