Five ‘worst devices’ to leave on standby that add a ‘significant amount’ to your bills

Leaving appliances on standby can drain energy and increase bills. As the cost of living crisis continues to decline, it becomes increasingly important to turn off appliances or technology when not in use.

Many households may not know which items in their home are the biggest culprits for energy consumption when left on standby. Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, has identified the top five ‘worst appliances’ for power consumption when left on standby.

She explained: “The term ‘vampire device’ is used to describe electrical devices that continue to draw power when plugged in but not actually being used, such as leaving a TV on standby.

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“While this may be convenient, it will add to your already rising energy bill. While it may not seem like a big deal 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 to your bills.

“Some of the most common ‘vampire appliances’ include microwave ovens, computer monitors, coffee machines, white goods and chargers,” reports the Express.

While some devices, such as a modem or refrigerator, need to be left on all day, most electronic devices can be unplugged when not in use to save money. Here are the ‘five worst appliances to keep on standby’, and by switching them off ‘you could save up to £75 a year’.

1. Game console

A games console left on standby could be unnecessarily adding an extra £30 to your energy bills, according to one expert. This is in addition to daily usage charges, which may vary depending on how long the device is used.

You should only leave games consoles on when they are in use, so make sure they are turned off, especially overnight, to save money and energy.

2. Microwave oven

If your microwave oven has a clock display that you often rely on, then it’s worth leaving this device plugged in at all times.

However, Liz suggested that for those who don’t really need the feature, it could be beneficial to unplug or switch off the grid, as it adds up to £17 a year to an energy bill.

3. Desktop computer

With many people now working remotely or in a hybrid manner, there has been a significant shift in the way we work. This means that desktop computers and computer screens are used much more often at home.

However, leaving these devices plugged in when not in use could add an extra £13 a year to your energy bills. So make sure you turn them off when working to avoid using unnecessary energy.

Liz pointed out that those who are home or hybrid workers may even be able to claim tax relief for additional household costs, even if it’s just one day a week.

She advised: “This can be from £6 per week and can be backdated from 6 April 2020. You also don’t need to keep evidence of any extra costs, however if you need to claim more than the weekly amount of £6 GBP then you will need to provide proof such as receipts, invoices or contracts. You can apply for this exemption through the government website.

4. Tumble dryers

Given the unpredictable weather in the UK, many people prefer to use tumble dryers over washing lines to dry their clothes. However, as tumble dryers are notorious for their high energy consumption, leaving them on but not in use could unnecessarily increase your annual energy bill by around £7.

To counter this, try using an air drying rack and take advantage of dry days by putting your washing line to good use.

5. Washing machines

Despite being considered an ‘essential appliance’, the average washing machine uses around £4 worth of electricity per day. This figure increases if the device is left on standby and not in use, potentially adding an extra £7 to your annual bill.

Although it may prove difficult to unplug washing machines depending on their location, you can save energy by just using full loads and turning the temperature down to 30 degrees. For those who have access to an outlet, turning it off can save money.

If you’re considering buying a new washing machine, it’s wise to look carefully at the energy rating, as eco-friendly models with an A+++ rating can help conserve energy and minimize expenses over time.