As the cost of living crisis continues to soar, alongside the energy price cap rise, many UK households are looking for ways to save on their gas and electricity bills.
New studies have shown that leaving everyday appliances on standby can cost bill payers hundreds each year. The Express reports that many cash-strapped Brits can't afford to lose this money, but there is a way to solve the problem.
Discount Code's Natalia Lachim has claimed that leaving appliances plugged in and switched off can still drain your bank accounts, even if they aren't being used. Natalia said: "This is because electricity will be allowed to run through, thereby increasing your energy use and, sadly, your energy bills."
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Listed below are the appliances that are the "worst offenders" when it comes to costing people money on standby. When these appliances are combined, turning them off of standby can help save £2,102.41.
Television
The TV is regarded as one of the most energy-sucking devices to exist in the home when left on standby. If you don't want the device idling, turn the set off at the wall.
Doing this can be worth hundreds of pounds in the long run for your energy bills. Natalie said: “Leaving the TV plugged in and switched on uses 1.3kWh.
“As the average cost of electricity is now £0.34 per unit, just leaving the TV on idle for an hour a day adds up to an enormous £161.33 a year to your bill.”
Fridge and Freezer
Clearing the fridge out can be a real pain, but doing so can save people a lot of necessary money. Running this one appliance costs you around £138.72 per year.
However, while you can't simply turn off the appliance, there are ways to make sure it runs more efficiently. The simplest way to make sure the fridge functions properly, according to Natalie, is to routinely clean both the exterior and the interior.
She said: “As every household needs to keep their fridge/freezer on, it is hardly surprising that over 12 percent of the entire household’s energy comes from running the fridge/freezer alone.
“Dusting the exterior means the cooling system won’t get affected, whereas cleaning the interior and disposing of any out-of-date food will ensure that the fridge doesn’t need to work as hard to keep food cool or frozen.”
Gaming devices
Turning off your Playstation or Xbox can save £5.10 daily, according to the energy expert. Gaming consoles are likely to be left plugged in and on as the TV, but it consumes a significant 15kWh per hour when it is on standby.
Natalia said: “Simply making sure it is totally off can save £5.10 per day.”
Kettle
Despite this device not being the biggest energy guzzler, it can give out a surprising saving when switched off completely. The expert noted: “Leaving an average kettle plugged in and switched on when not in use uses around 0.3kWh.
"Although this is seemingly a small unit of energy, it still adds £37.23 to your annual bill.”
Plugged in chargers
Most of us who work at home are guilty of leaving chargers plugged in at the wall to be used as soon as they are needed. While it may be convenient, it is not the most cost-effective way to power up your devices.
Natalia said: “While leaving an empty charger plugged in might not be the most expensive, it is still adding an unnecessary £17.87 to your annual bills.”
Alarm clock
An alarm clock connected to the mains could be stealing money for no reason while it is not in use. The expert said: “If your alarm clock is mains operated and is plugged in all the time, it can cost you around £24.48 annually.
“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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