British households are being urged to unplug everyday electronics to keep costs under control this winter, following the latest increase to the energy price cap. While major household appliances typically draw the most attention when it comes to energy consumption, everyday gadgets left on standby are quietly driving up electricity bills.
Entertainment setups among the biggest culprits
Jade Golding-Gault, a large appliance expert at the electrical retailer AO, has highlighted the household items Britons should switch off at the wall to save money, alongside the few that must always be left running. She warned that entertainment setups are some of the most overlooked culprits for wasting power. Smart televisions, sound systems, games consoles, and streaming boxes constantly draw electricity in standby mode to maintain internet connections and perform background updates.
Switching these off at the wall, along with idle home office equipment such as desktop computers, monitors, and printers, is a simple way to prevent unnecessary costs.
Kitchen gadgets and white goods
In the kitchen, households can make quick savings by targeting smaller gadgets. Ms Golding-Gault advises starting with microwaves, air fryers, toasters, and coffee machines, as many modern models feature digital clocks and standby displays that constantly drain power.
She noted that it is also worth switching off larger white goods, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens, at the mains when they are not required. While the amount of electricity used by these larger machines on standby may be relatively small, it can easily add up over time. Consumers are additionally reminded to unplug chargers, adaptors, and extension leads, particularly those with LED indicator lights that consume power around the clock.
Devices that must stay on
However, the expert cautioned that not all devices should be powered down. The advice on broadband routers depends entirely on a household's specific needs. Those who rely on internet-connected smart home devices, such as security cameras, alarms, or video doorbells, must leave their routers running.
For those without smart security setups, switching the router off overnight could provide a small energy saving. Meanwhile, fridges and freezers must always remain switched on to prevent food safety issues and spoilage. To keep these essential cold appliances running as efficiently as possible, experts recommend keeping them well-maintained, ensuring door seals are working properly, and avoiding overfilling the shelves.
