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Energy bills are expected to rise this winter, and many households are already adopting energy-saving strategies such as smart thermostats, efficient appliances and limiting water use.
However, in thousands of homes, subtle energy consumption often goes unnoticed: appliances left in standby mode.
While they may not be the main culprits of high electricity bills, these appliances, if not turned off, can contribute significantly to long-term energy costs.
As autumn approaches, colder temperatures will keep Brits indoors for longer, making it more important than ever to identify and eliminate these ‘energy hogs’.
Eric Bramlett, real estate expert and owner of Bramlett Residential, shared with The express His top five appliances that should never be left on standby, while stressing the importance of turning them off completely to conserve energy.
Some subtle energy consumption often goes unnoticed in thousands of homes: appliances left in standby mode (file image)
1. Game consoles
Modern gaming systems are equipped with power-saving features, but even in standby mode, they consume a considerable amount of power.
Many users accidentally leave their consoles in standby mode when they turn off the TV, not realizing the power consumption.
Eric said: “They can consume a lot of power when in standby mode. One customer of mine saw his power bills go down after turning off the console when he wasn’t using it.”
According to the Energy Saving Trust, games consoles account for around six per cent of a household’s energy use.
While this may seem small, the savings accumulated by turning off the console add up over time.
2. Cable or satellite decoders
Another device that many forget to turn off is the cable or satellite decoder.
Eric shared: ‘A friend of mine found that unplugging his set-top box when not in use made a difference to his monthly energy bills.’
These devices consume almost as much power in standby mode as gaming consoles, making them a hidden drain on electricity.
3. Old appliances
As appliances age, their energy efficiency often decreases due to wear and tear on internal components.
Older refrigerators, in particular, can consume a lot of energy, so Eric recommends upgrading to a more efficient model if possible.
While it may not be practical to turn off the refrigerator, replacing older appliances could save a significant amount on your energy bill.
Older refrigerators, in particular, can be energy-hungry, so Eric recommends upgrading to a more efficient model if possible (stock image)
4. Microwave ovens
Even when not in use, microwave ovens consume energy simply to keep the clock display running.
Bramlett suggests unplugging your microwave or using a power strip to cut off the power when not needed, as this small step could “reduce your electric bill.”
5. Desktop computers
Desktop computers are known to consume more power than laptops.
Leaving a desktop computer in standby mode instead of shutting it down completely can result in unavoidably high power consumption.
Eric’s advice was simple: “Don’t even talk to me about it. Just turn them off when you’re done using them and watch your bills disappear.”
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