With energy bills set to rise by £332 from July, households are looking for ways to reduce consumption. Experts have identified five common home appliances that should never be left on standby to save money.
Game consoles, such as PlayStation or Xbox, can cost around £30.13 a year if left in standby mode. Energy expert Mitchell Wray from National Insulation Supplies advises turning them off at the switch. TV and gaming expert Nick Bunce from AO adds that consoles consume standby power for updates and remote activation, recommending switching off at the wall when not in use.
Desktop computers left on standby can add £10 to £15 annually to electricity bills, according to Free Heating Scheme experts. They suggest turning off the computer completely when not in use to achieve significant savings.
Microwaves also have a small standby drain, estimated at £3 to £6 per year, to keep the digital clock running. Turning it off at the wall when not needed can contribute to larger savings over time.
Televisions left on standby consume a continuous trickle of power for features like clock displays and sensor lights. Mitchell Wray notes that turning the TV off at the switch can save a lot of money with minimal effort.
Older appliances, particularly fridges over 10 to 15 years old, are less energy-efficient and can consume 100 to 200 kWh per month. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model could result in long-term savings.
