The 3 vampire appliances you always forget to turn off but if you do could chop a chunk off your energy bills
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 .
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.
Read More On Energy Bills
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.
Most read in Fabulous
"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."
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."
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.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won't even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
"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."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
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."
