Many households may not realize how many home appliances they have plugged in that are consuming unnecessary electricity while on standby. While essential appliances like fridges and freezers should always remain on, other devices such as washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, TVs, and microwaves are among the most expensive to leave on standby.
Ian Palmer-Smith, an expert from Domestic and General, warns that simply switching off these appliances is not enough, as they can still draw power when left plugged in, leading to extra costs. He explains that appliances that need to heat water, like dishwashers and washing machines, use a lot of energy even on standby because they need to be ready to heat water instantly when needed.
Devices like computer monitors, printers, and coffee machines are also considered energy-sucking appliances that should be entirely unplugged or switched off at the plug to prevent unnecessary electricity consumption. Even in sleep or standby modes, these devices continue to use energy for updates, connecting to remote servers, and recording data.
However, there are certain household appliances, like fridge freezers, that should never be turned off despite their high electricity usage. Turning off a fridge freezer before a holiday can cause it to defrost and lead to a smelly kitchen. Instead, energy expert Ian recommends using standby savers or energy-saving plugs that work with remote controls to block power from moving through the socket to the appliance.
According to Ovo Energy specialists, the best way to ensure all devices are completely off and not consuming ‘vampire power’ is to switch them off at the plug. Plugs with unconnected chargers may use a small amount of power, but if there is nothing plugged into a socket, it won’t use any electricity, even if switched on.
In conclusion, being mindful of which appliances are left on standby and taking the necessary steps to unplug or switch them off at the plug can help reduce energy consumption and save on electricity bills. By following these expert tips, households can become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly in their daily routines.