British Gas, OVO, EDF and Octopus customers are urged to switch off certain appliances and warned of a common appliance mistake that could cost them over £300 a year.
With little to no effort, households can save extra cash just by switching off certain devices when they aren’t being used and doing regular maintenance checks.
Households could typically save £60-£70 a year just by switching off ‘vampire devices’, according to Energy Saving Trust.
Many households may be surprised to find just how many home appliances they have plugged in around their house that aren’t necessary.
With energy bills predicted to rise in April, many families will be trying their to tighten their belts financially to avoid running up the electricity bills.
Energy experts have pinpointed the “worst appliances” people want to avoid leaving on standby for energy-saving purposes and a common appliance mistake that could be adding hundreds to your annual costs
While they might seem off, some devices continue to consume power, quietly adding to your electricity bills over time.
Solar Panel experts at GSL have identified three key offenders Brits should switch off to save money this winter.
Gordon Wallis, Grant Store’s Renewable Energy Consultant explained that leaving devices on standby is a common habit, but it’s one that comes with a price.
Wallis said: “Many appliances are designed to consume less power in standby mode, but they don’t stop using electricity altogether.
“Over time, this covert energy usage can result in higher bills, which is an unnecessary burden, especially during the colder months.”
Here are the top three devices people should never leave on standby.
1. Sky or Freeview Boxes
Sky or Freeview Boxes are often left in standby mode for convenience, but they’re one of the biggest energy offenders.
Wallis said:”Boxes may seem harmless when left on standby, but they draw a surprising amount of power even when the TV is off. Fully turning them off at the mains when not in use can result in noticeable reductions to your electricity bill.
2. PCs
PCs are another appliance to watch out for. Though standby mode speeds up start times, it comes with an energy cost.
Wallis continued: “A PC left on standby can add around £10 to £15 to your annual energy bill. It might not seem like much, but when combined with other devices, it all adds up.
“Shutting down your computer completely when it’s not in use is a simple step to reduce unnecessary energy consumption,” advises the consultant.”
3. Games Consoles
Modern game consoles often come with low-power standby settings, but these too consume energy.”
Wallis said: “Gaming consoles are a staple in many homes, and while their standby modes are more efficient than before, they still draw power unnecessarily. Turning them off entirely after use is a straightforward way to save energy.”
Wallis also went onto explain how outdated appliances can cost people over £300 extra a year.
He said: “Older fridges, washing machines, and boilers may seem like they’re doing the job, but as they age, they lose efficiency and require more energy to operate. This hidden inefficiency can add hundreds of pounds to your annual bills without you even realising.”
While replacing old appliances may seem costly initially, it can save around £300 per year in energy costs in the long run.
Older appliances may use up to 1,000 extra kilowatt hours annually, leading to higher energy bills.
Wallis said: An appliance well past its lifespan may use as much as 1,000 extra kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually.” Replacing them with modern, energy-efficient models can save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Experts also note that the typical lifespan for common appliances is:
- Fridge/Freezer: 10-20 years
- Washing Machine: 10-13 years
- Tumble Dryer: 10-15 years
- Dishwasher: 10 years
- Boiler: 10-15 years
Wallis concludes, “If your appliances have exceeded these lifespans, they’re likely consuming more energy than necessary.”
