HOUSEHOLDS are being battered by rising energy bills – but you can try and beat the hikes by powering down the most energy-hungry appliances in your home.
So-called “vampire appliances” drain energy when left on standby or when used inefficiently — and they could be adding to your bills unnecessarily.
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A research by British Gas has revealed that families could save an average of £147 per year by switching these devices off.
Here are the six worst offenders that you should turn off ahead of this bank holiday weekend to save money.
TV – £24.61
TV is one of the most energy-hungry devices in the house when left on standby.
A telly uses 40 watts of energy when it’s being used, but still wants 10 watts when it’s sitting in standby.
British Gas’ research suggests more than 60% of households leave their TV on standby for an average of 20 hours every day.
Set top box – £23.10
A set top-box is a great way to ensure you don’t miss your favourite programmes if you have been away.
But if the device is unused by sitting in standby mode then it could be adding extra costs to your energy bills.
It’s estimated that 87% of families don’t turn off their set top-boxes.
On average, households leave their set top-boxes on standby for almost 20 hours a day, costing £23.10 a year.
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Internet router – £18.89
It might be convenient to leave your router or modem on so you can access the internet anytime but doing so adds £18.89 to your electricity bills a year.
More than 90% of households have told British Gas that they leave their routers plugged into the walls at home.
By turning it off completely before bed or before you go on a holiday, you could be saving money on your energy bill.
Microwave – £16.37
Switching off your microwave after every use is another way you could save cash.
Households leave their microwaves on standby for a total of 23 hours a day on average, working out as £16.37 extra cost in a year.
Energy Saving Trust also says that a microwave is one of the appliances that will “eat up electricity” when left on standby.
Game console – £12.17
Your Xbox and Playstation use 130 an 120 watts respectively when they’re in use, but still eat up 10 watts when they’re on standby.
It’s estimated that households can save an average of £12.17 per year by switching off their game consoles when not in use.
“Games consoles tend to be left switched on and plugged in as much as TVs and are often overlooked,” Natalia Lachim from Discount Code told the The Mirror previously.
Computer – £11.22
You might already spend more on energy if you have been working from home since the pandemic, but leaving your computer on standby at the end of the day could be adding more money to your bills.
Nearly 80% households don’t switch off their computers, which works out at an average of £11.22 per year.
Other appliances that might be adding to your energy bills when left on standby include:
- Shower: £9.80
- Dishwasher: £6.86
- Tumble dryer: £4.79
- Washing machine: £4.73
- Printer: £3.81
- Phone charger: £1.26
How can I avoid vampire devices from adding to my energy bills?
British Gas energy expert Marc Robson recommends switching off appliances when not in use such as at night and not leaving them plugged more than needed including charging devices.
“At night, or when not in use, try switching off devices at the mains rather than switching to standby, as even the standby light on a television uses energy, ” he said.
“Try not to overcharge your mobile phone and laptop unnecessarily.
“As soon as your device is charged, try and get into the habit of unplugging it.”
He says it’s also a good idea to add devices to an extension lead that can be switched off at night – or using smart plugs.
“There are smart plugs you can buy which will let you check everything is turned off from your phone,” he added.
“A smart meter’s in-home display can help to identify how much energy is used at different times of the day, so you can see where energy is wasted.”
More on household appliances , a money-saving expert has explained the five things in your kitchen that are pushing up energy bills and how to save costs.
Meanwhile, a simple change to the way you use your tumble dryer could slash the time it takes to dry your clothes, and potentially save you a bundle.
Plus, you can cut £85 a year off your household’s energy bills with an easy thermostat trick.
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