ENERGY prices are still a constant concern for UK residents but a simple step might help you cut your costs.
Experts have revealed an easy way you can reduce your household bills.
There are three vampire appliances which are increasing your expenses, reports the Daily Express.
This name is given to gadgets which still use electricity when switched to standby mode.
Vampire power, also known as a phantom load, can add up significantly over time.
And while these appliances may not be the biggest culprits when switched on, switching them off can still save you a surprising amount.
Leaving these items in standby mode doesn’t fully turn them off, they often still use small amounts of power which can add up over time.
Standby refers to leaving your items plugged in while they are switched off.
One device may only use a few watts but the combined cost throughout the household can be enough to add on to your bills.
Solar Panel experts at GSL identified the three key offenders that are left on standby the most often.
“Many appliances are designed to consume less power in standby mode, but they don’t stop using electricity altogether,” said Grant Store’s Renewable Energy Consultant.
“Over time, this covert energy usage can result in higher bills, which is an unnecessary burden, especially during the colder months.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”B&M shopper rushes to buy energy-saving gadget scanning for £1 instead of £35″ embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367897247112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Sky or Freeview Boxes
These are often left on standby out of convenience but are one of the worst offenders.
“Boxes may seem harmless when left on standby, but they draw a surprising amount of power even when the TV is off,” experts explained.
“Fully turning them off at the mains when not in use can result in noticeable reductions to your electricity bill.”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D106230%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]Games Consoles
Modern consoles such as a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch come equipped with a low-power standby setting.
However, even this mode has been discovered to consume significant amounts of energy.
“Gaming consoles are a staple in many homes, and while their standby modes are more efficient than before, they still draw power unnecessarily,” experts said.
“Turning them off entirely after use is a straightforward way to save energy.”
PCs
Finally, PCs are another common culprit to watch out for and while standby mode might help speed up the starting process, it can cost you.
“A PC left on standby can add around £10 to £15 to your annual energy bill,” energy experts revealed.
“It might not seem like much, but when combined with other devices, it all adds up.
“Shutting down your computer completely when it’s not in use is a simple step to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.”
They concluded: “Switching off appliances at the mains might feel like a small change, but it can make a big difference to your overall energy bills.
“By targeting devices that consume power on standby, households can save money and take a meaningful step toward energy efficiency this winter.”
