A large proportion of Aussie households have reported getting a higher than expected summer energy bill.
You may have a thirsty vampire in the house and not even realise.
Australian households have reported getting billed much higher amounts than expected for their summer energy use, with experts pointing to “vampire devices” as a growing culprit.
Data from Compare the Market reveals a staggering 81 per cent of Australians reported higher electricity costs over summer.
Separate polling by Finder.com.au had a similar finding, revealing 35 per cent of Australians had received a summer energy bill higher than expected.
While seasonal airconditioning and the rollback of Commonwealth energy rebates explained much of the spike, utility analysts pointed to an insidious, underlying culprit: the rise of “vampire” devices.
Unlike traditional passive appliances, devices like voice-activated home hubs, Wi-Fi-enabled washing machines and networked gaming consoles maintain an active digital footprint.
This background state draws constant power even when devices are ostensibly switched off.
Devices like gaming consoles can draw a lot of power even when on standby.
According to energy tech sector estimates, this network standby load, or “phantom load” amounts to a higher amount than many realise.
It now accounts for roughly 5.9 per cent to 10 per cent of total domestic electricity usage, according to Compare the Market estimates from May.
“Everything from your TV unit to your washing machine – right down to your toaster and kettle – use up power in the background, even when you’re not actively using them,” said Sarah Orr at Compare the Market.
“The combined impact of having all these appliances turned on at the wall can account for up to 10 per cent of a household’s electricity usage.
“We like to call them vampire appliances because they secretly suck away at power, draining money from your wallet.”
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Finder utilities expert Mariam Gabaji said heating and cooling remained the biggest energy draw for most households but certain devices were taking extra power without many being aware.
“What can add up more noticeably is ‘vampire’ appliances on standby, things like TVs, gaming consoles and set-top boxes that keep drawing power even when you’re not using them,” she said.
“Individually, it’s small, but if you’ve got a few of them around the house, it’s worth switching them off at the wall when you can.”
Ms Gabaji said winter energy costs would likely rise for most households. She pointed to common habits that were frequently increasing winter energy usage.
“The type of heater you use and how energy efficient it is can make a big difference to running costs and winter energy bills,” she said.
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Finder utilities expert Mariam Gabaji said heating and cooling remained the biggest energy draw for most households.
“For example, our research from last year found reverse-cycle air conditioners can cost around $1.74 per hour to run, while other options like gas heaters and electric convection heaters can push that to over $3 an hour.
“Habits like leaving your heater on when you’re out, constantly turning it on and off, or leaving doors open so warm air escapes can all add to your costs.”
Ms Orr suggested switching appliances on standby off.
“Doing a quick tour of the house and flicking off switches could help you save – especially if you add in things like computers and gaming consoles which guzzle energy on standby mode,” she said.
“If you’re hunting for new appliances, like fridges which you can’t just switch off, consider energy efficient options.
“Your fridge is on 24/7, and it can chew up around 7 per cent of your home’s electricity, so that energy star rating can make a big difference.”
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