With the cost of living so high at the moment every pound you can save helps. Many of us are nervously eyeing the smart metre as the electricity spending creeps up each day and wondering how we can keep the bills down.
With the energy price cap rising significantly to £2,500, it is essential to save every bit of energy you can and leaving everyday items on standby can add unnecessary costs to annual energy bills. The simplest way you can cut money off your energy bills is by making sure your appliances are switched off when not in use.
Natalia Lachim from the Discount Code explains that leaving some appliances plugged in and turned on will drain electricity even if you are not using it, In Your Area reports. She said: "This is because electricity will be allowed to run through, thereby increasing your energy use and, sadly, your energy bills."
According to Natalia, these gadgets are the worst offenders driving up your bill.
Television
New models and flat screens have unfortunately made it harder to actually switch off your TV. While your traditional TV would normally have a big switch-off button, new TVs with remote controls usually only offer standby mode.
A 2021 study showed 98% of UK households admit to leaving their TV on standby at all times, with many wrongly thinking that turning off via the remote switches it off entirely. So, if you don’t want it idling in standby mode, you will have to make the effort to get up and turn the set off at the wall.
Fridge/Freezer
“As every household needs to keep their fridge/freezer on, it is hardly surprising that over 12% of the entire household’s energy comes from running the fridge/freezer alone,” says Natalia.
Running this one appliance costs you around £138.72 per year. Whilst you cannot simply turn off your fridge, there are tips to ensure it works as efficiently as possible.
The simplest way to make sure the fridge works as it should, according to her, is to routinely clean both the exterior and the interior. “Dusting the exterior means the cooling system won’t get affected." Keeping the coils clean is a good idea and helps keep the temperature inside cool.
Gaming consoles
Playing games is a hobby for many, but it’s also contributing to your energy bill. Gaming consoles often go unnoticed and are just as likely to be left plugged in and on as the TV.
Plugged in chargers
Almost all of us are guilty of leaving our chargers plugged in and ready to charge as soon as we need them. While it may be convenient, it is not the most cost-effective way to fuel your devices.
Alarm clock
Did the gloomy weather make you invest in a SAD lamp? Or maybe you favour using a traditional alarm clock instead? Whatever the reason, alarm clocks connected to your mains will add to your energy bill.
“If your alarm clock is mains operated and is plugged in all the time, it can cost you around £24.48 annually,” Natalia says. “Although this may not seem too expensive, to make further savings, you could consider turning off your clock when not in use and simply reset the time and your alarm before going to bed."
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