22 May 2023 , 12:47
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Everyday household appliances could be adding extra cash onto people’s bills by leaving them on standby mode, according to an expert.
At a time when many of us are strapped for cash, leaving devices on standby can zap energy and increases bills.
As the cost of living crisis deepens it has become ever more important to flick the switch when an appliance or piece of tech is no longer in use.
Households may not be aware of which items in their home are the worst for eating up their hard-earned cash.
Liz Hunter, Director at , has shared the top five “worst appliances” for consuming energy when left on standby.
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Leaving games consoles on standby can adds several pounds to your bills (Getty Images/iStockphoto)She told Express.co.uk: “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.
“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.
“Some of the most common ‘vampire devices’ include microwaves, computer monitors, coffee machines, white goods and chargers.”
Some devices like a modem or a fridge do need to be kept on all day, but most electronic devices can be turned off at the plug when not in use in order to save money. Here are the “five worst appliances to keep on standby” and by turning these off “you could save up to £75 a year”.
Games console
A games console left on standby could be adding an additional £30 to energy bills unnecessarily, according to the expert. This is on top of daily usage costs, which can depend on how long the device is used.
Games consoles only need to be left on when in use so make sure they’re switched off, particularly overnight, to save both money and energy.
Microwave
If the microwave has a clock display and it’s something that households do often rely on, then it’s worthwhile leaving this device plugged in at all times.
However, Liz suggested that for those who don’t really need this function, it may be worth unplugging or switching off at the mains as it adds up to £17 per year to an energy bill.
Desktop computer
Leaving these devices plugged in when they are not being used could be adding an additional £13 per year to energy bills
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Tumble dryer
When left on but not in use they could be increasing the annual energy bill needlessly by around £7 per year.
Washing machine
While they may be an “essential appliance”, the average washing machine uses around £4 worth of electricity per day. This amount increases if the machine is left on standby and not in use, and could add £7 extra to the bill per year.