Switching off certain household appliances is just one easy way Britons can save money on their energy bills.
Not sure which gadgets are guzzling your cash while you’re not looking? Well, money-saving guru Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, has revealed the top five energy-draining culprits in your home.
Liz Hunter warned: “The term ‘vampire device, is used to describe electrical devices that continue to drain power when they’re plugged in but not actually being used, such as leaving a television on standby.”
She added: “Although this may be convenient, it will be contributing to your already increasing energy bill.
“Whilst it may not seem like a major problem in the short term, over the course of a year the aggregate cost of leaving multiple devices on standby can add a noticeable extra amount onto your bills.”
Liz pointed out that “some of the most common ‘vampire devices’ include microwaves, computer monitors, coffee machines, white goods and chargers”.
While some appliances, like modems or fridges, need to stay on, most can be switched off at the wall to save those pennies. Here’s a rundown of the “five worst appliances to keep on standby” – switch them off and you could pocket an extra £75 annually.
1. Games console
According to an expert, a games console left on standby could unnecessarily add an extra £30 to energy bills, over and above the daily usage costs which vary depending on the duration of use.
It’s advised to only leave game consoles on when in use and ensure they’re switched off, especially overnight, to save both money and energy.
2. Microwave
If your microwave has a clock display that you often rely on, it makes sense to keep this device plugged in all the time.
However, Liz suggests that if you don’t really need this feature, it might be worth unplugging or switching off at the mains as it can add up to £17 annually to your energy bill.
3. Desktop computer
With the significant shift in work patterns, with many people now working remotely or in a hybrid manner, desktop computers and computer screens are being used at home much more frequently. However, leaving these devices plugged in when not in use could add an additional £13 per year to energy bills.
Therefore, ensure you turn these off once work is done to avoid using unnecessary power. Liz pointed out that those who are home or hybrid workers may even be eligible to claim tax relief towards extra household costs, even if it’s just one day a week.
She explained: “This can be from £6 a week and can be backdated from 6 April 2020. What’s more, you don’t need to keep evidence of any additional costs, however, if you need to claim more than the weekly amount of £6 then you will need to provide evidence such as receipts, bills or contracts. You can claim this relief through the government website.”
4. Tumble dryers
In the UK, where sunny days are a rare commodity, many households rely on tumble dryers rather than a washing line for drying clothes. These appliances are notorious for guzzling energy, and even when they’re not in use, they could be silently adding approximately £7 to your annual energy bill.
To cut down on these costs, consider using an air drying rack or seize any opportunity for a dry day to hang clothes outside.
5. Washing machines
Labelled as an “essential appliance”, the humble washing machine consumes about £4 worth of electricity each day. This figure can creep up if the machine is left on standby mode, potentially tacking on an extra £7 to your yearly bill.
It might be tricky to unplug washing machines, especially if they’re awkwardly positioned, but you can still save energy by waiting for full loads and lowering the wash temperature to 30 degrees.
For those who can manage it, switching off the plug can also lead to savings. And if you’re in the market for a new washer, consider the energy rating opting for an A+++ rated eco-friendly model could make a significant difference to both your wallet and the environment over time.
