Even if your devices are turned off, they could still cost you money if they are in standby mode.

That's because this hidden drain on your electricity bill is called phantom load or vampire power and can add up to surprisingly large amounts over time.

Even though they are turned off, some appliances continue to draw small amounts of electricity and waste energy, quietly increasing your electricity bills over time. Standby power refers to the electricity consumed by electronic devices when they are turned off but still on.

Although a single device may only use a few watts, the combined impact on all the electronics in a household can be significant.

Solar panel experts have identified three key consumers which would be a good idea to turn off to save money this winter.

“Many appliances are designed to use less energy in standby mode, but they don’t stop using electricity completely. Over time, this hidden energy consumption can result in higher bills, which is an unnecessary burden, especially during the colder months,” explained Grant Store’s renewable energy consultant.

These are the three devices which you should never leave on standby.

1) Devices for satellite programs

Various satellite programming devices are often left on standby for convenience, but they are one of the biggest energy consumers, writes the British Express.

"Such devices may seem harmless when they are in standby mode, but they consume a surprising amount of energy even when the TV is off. Unplug them completely when not in use to reduce your electricity bill," says the expert.

2) Computers

Computers are another device to keep an eye on. While standby mode speeds up boot times, it comes at the cost of power consumption.

"A computer left on standby can add around €12 to €18 to your annual energy bill. It may not seem like much, but combined with other appliances, it all adds up. Completely turning off your computer when you're not using it is a simple step to reduce unnecessary energy consumption," advises the consultant.

3) Gaming consoles

Modern game consoles often come with low-power standby settings, but they also consume energy.

"Game consoles are an integral part of many homes, and although their standby modes are more efficient than before, they still consume energy unnecessarily. Completely turning them off after use is a simple way to save electricity," the experts add.