Savings experts Raisin UK have unveiled ‘everyday energy-consuming appliances’ which should be switched off when not in use, as they hope to help households cut costs.
1. Kettle
The experts explained: “Even if your kettle isn’t a huge energy user, turning it off when you’re not using it can save you money.
– By boiling the appropriate amount of water for your drink in the kettle, you can also save energy, because the boiler does not have to boil unnecessary amounts.
“Kettles use an average of 0.3kWh of energy, which, when left on all year, adds £26.82 to your annual bill, according to Ofgem.”
2. Phone and laptop chargers
Phone and laptop chargers are often left plugged in 24/7, thinking that since they’re not plugged into a device, they’re free.
However, experts say idling chargers can add around £15 to your annual bill.
3. Refrigerator
The experts explained: “We all know you can’t just unplug your fridge, but did you know that messing around can cost you more?
“Cleaning it regularly can help it be more energy efficient. By emptying it, you can ensure that the cooling system is not affected and that your fridge does not have to use extra energy to keep perishables cold.
“Remember, though, that your fridge needs to be about two-thirds full to work as efficiently as possible.
“This leaves enough room for air to circulate freely inside, and also enough objects for cooling so that the system doesn’t have to work harder.”
4. Game consoles
While many people love video games, leaving them plugged in can be costly, so be sure to unplug them, especially if you don’t use it often.
Experts said this could help households save a little extra money on their annual bills.
Kevin Mountford, founder of Raisin UK, said: “We can often forget that when we switch off devices, they remain in standby mode and continue to use energy. The best way to combat this is to remember to unplug non-essential electrical appliances.
“It can save you hundreds of pounds a year and takes just two seconds.
“It’s a particularly useful tip as we continue to see warnings of an uncertain winter ahead, with energy bills remaining high and potential tax increases, and many people looking for ways to cut costs.”
