When winter hits and temperatures drop, unfortunately, your power bill does the opposite! We tend to use a lot more power in winter as we try to keep our homes – and ourselves – toasty and warm.
Heaters, electric blankets, hot water cylinders, and longer nights with the lights on all play a part. But did you know there’s a hidden source of power drain in most homes that’s often overlooked?
They’re called vampire appliances, and they could be chewing through your power without you even realising.
Keep reading to learn more about vampire appliances, why they contribute to higher power usage, and what you can do to stop it.
What Are Vampire Appliances?
Vampire appliances, also known as standby power devices, are electronics and gadgets that continue to draw power even when they’re turned “off” or not in active use. These devices stay in standby mode, quietly sipping electricity day and night. That wasted energy can cost households hundreds of dollars a year, or up to 10 per cent of your total power usage,e according to some estimates. That’s money that could be much better spent elsewhere.
Think about how many items you leave plugged in every day: your TV, modem, microwave, gaming console, coffee machine, and phone chargers. Even if the screen is off or you’re not actively using the appliance, if it’s plugged in, it’s probably still using electricity.
It might not seem like much—maybe a few cents here and there—but over time, it adds up. Multiply that by dozens of appliances and months of use, and suddenly you’re paying a lot more than you need to. At Loansmart, we believe smart decisions add up to real savings. Whether you’re trying to stay on top of rising winter bills, cut back on everyday costs, or make room in your budget to pay off debt, this is one easy step you can take right now.
Common Vampire Appliances in Kiwi Homes
Not sure what to look out for? Here are some of the most common vampire appliances lurking in Kiwi households:
- Televisions – Especially those with standby lights
- Game consoles – Xbox and PlayStation consoles can stay active even when you think they’re off
- Microwaves – Use power to display the clock
- Coffee machines – Stay warm and ready unless unplugged
- Wi-Fi routers and modems – Always on, whether you’re using the internet or not
- Laptop and phone chargers – Draw power even when your device isn’t connected
- DVD/Blu-ray players and stereos – Many have lights or internal systems that stay on 24/7
- Printers – Particularly the ones with displays and automatic standby functions
This is not a definitive list – if you look around your home, you’ll probably find other examples of electronic devices that draw power even when you’re not using them. So, how can you find them?
How to Spot Vampire Appliances
You don’t need fancy gear to figure out what’s draining your power, but if you want to get technical, smart plugs and energy monitors can help. Here’s how you can start identifying the culprits:
1. Look for Lights
Missing credit card, utility, or loan payments can seriously harm your credit score. To avoid this, consider setting up automatic payments or payment reminders. Remember that even one late payment can have a long-term negative impact.
2. Feel for Warmth
If a device is warm to the touch when not in use—like a charger, printer, or speaker—it’s probably still drawing power.
3. Listen for Noise
Appliances like modems and consoles often hum or click quietly when they’re supposedly off. That means they’re still working behind the scenes.
4. Use a Smart Plug or Monitor
For a more detailed look, plug your device into a smart plug or power meter. You’ll get real-time feedback on how much power it’s using—even on standby.
How to Stop the Drain
The best way to stop vampire appliances from eating up your power is to cut them off at the source. Here are a few smart, simple strategies:
- Unplug It: This is the most effective way to stop standby power use. If you’re not using it, turn it off at the wall or pull the plug. Especially for appliances you don’t use daily—like the printer or the coffee machine.
- Use Switchable Multi-Plugs: Plug multiple devices into a power board with a switch. That way, you can turn them all off with one flick.
- Invest in Smart Plugs: Smart plugs let you control appliances remotely from your phone. You can set schedules or turn them off when you’re out of the house or asleep.
How Much Can You Save?
According to energy experts, vampire appliances can make up 5–10% of your electricity bill. In a typical Kiwi home, that could mean more than $100 per year. For larger households or tech-heavy homes, the number could be even higher.
Need Extra Breathing Room This Winter?
Sometimes, saving energy isn’t enough. If you’re dealing with rising costs, unexpected expenses, or just need to reset your finances, we’re here to help.
At Loansmart, we make borrowing fast, easy, and affordable. Whether you need help with:
- Power bills
- Car repairs
- Debt consolidation
- Or just a bit of extra cash to get through the season
We’ve got smarter solutions to suit your needs. Apply online in just 3 minutes, and you could be approved in as little as 1-2 hours*—with same day payout possible*.
No stress. No paperwork. Just fair, fast, friendly service from a team that cares.
Why Kiwis Choose Loansmart
- 100% Online – No hoop jumping required
- Rates from 9.95%*
- Borrow up to $75,000 unsecured*
- We compare lenders to find your best deal
- Fair terms and flexible repayments
- We say yes more often—even with bad credit
*Subject to responsible lending checks and criteria.
