The six vampire devices you need to switch off this bank holiday weekend to save cash
MILLIONS of households are bracing for a spike in bills - but you can try to beat the hikes by powering down energy-hungry appliances.
So-called “vampire appliances” drain energy when left on standby or used inefficiently and they could be seeing your bills rack up.
Research by British Gas revealed families could save an average of £147 each year by switching these types of devices off.
And after Ofgem's announcement the price cap from October will see average households bills rise to over £3,500, cutting down on your energy usage has never been more important.
Of course, you might not be able to turn off every appliance - your fridge should always be kept on to stop food turning foul.
However, with costs soaring, small savings can go a long way. So, here are the six worst offenders that you should turn off this bank holiday.
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TV - £24.61
TV's are one of the most energy-hungry devices in the home when left on standby.
A telly uses 40 watts of energy when it's being used, but still guzzles up 10 watts when it's on standby.
British Gas' research suggests more than 60% of households leave their TV on standby for an average of 20 hours every day.
So plenty of people could do with fully turning the appliance off.
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Set top box - £23.10
A set top-box is a great way to ensure you don't miss your favourite programmes if you're heading off on holiday.
But if the device is unused by sitting in standby mode then it could be adding extra costs to your energy bills.
It's estimated a shocking 87% of families don't turn off their set top-boxes.
On average, households leave their set top-boxes on standby for almost 20 hours a day.
That works out as costing £23.10 a year.
Internet router - £18.89
It might be convenient to leave your router or modem on so you can access the internet anytime but doing so adds £18.89 to your electricity bills a year.
More than 90% of households have told British Gas that they leave their routers plugged into the walls at home.
By turning it off completely before bed or before you go on a holiday, you could be saving money on your energy bill.
Microwave - £16.37
Switching off your microwave after every use is another way you could save cash.
Households leave their microwaves on standby for a total of 23 hours a day on average, working out as £16.37 extra on your bill each year.
The Energy Saving Trust also said a microwave is one of the appliances that will "eat up electricity" when left on standby.
Games console - £12.17
Your Xbox and Playstation use 130 an 120 watts respectively when they’re in use, but still eat up 10 watts when they’re on standby.
It's estimated that households can save an average of £12.17 per year by switching off their game consoles when not in use.
"Games consoles tend to be left switched on and plugged in as much as TVs and are often overlooked," Natalia Lachim from Discount Code told the previously.
Computer - £11.22
Nearly 80% of households don't switch off their computers, which works out at an average of £11.22 per year.
Other appliances that might be adding to your energy bills when left on standby include:
- Shower: £9.80
- Dishwasher: £6.86
- Tumble dryer: £4.79
- Washing machine: £4.73
- Printer: £3.81
- Phone charger: £1.26
How can I avoid vampire devices adding to my energy bills?
British Gas energy expert Marc Robson recommends switching off appliances when not in use such as at night, and not leaving them plugged in for longer than necessary, for example when you're fully charged.
"At night, or when not in use, try switching off devices at the mains rather than switching to standby, as even the standby light on a television uses energy, " he said.
"Try not to overcharge your mobile phone and laptop unnecessarily.
"As soon as your device is charged, try and get into the habit of unplugging it."
He says it's also a good idea to add devices to an extension lead that can be switched off at night - or using smart plugs.
"There are smart plugs you can buy which will let you check everything is turned off from your phone," he added.
"A smart meter's in-home display can help to identify how much energy is used at different times of the day, so you can see where energy is wasted."
We previously revealed the cheapest appliances, and the most expensive appliances to use in your home.
What help can I get with my energy bills?
There are a number of options available to households struggling with their energy bills.
The Household Support Fund is one, the £400 energy rebate another and millions of households should have received a £150 Council Tax rebate.
Energy companies also offer support schemes.
Struggling British Gas customers can get up to £750 of help, those with Bulb £2,000 and households with Scottish Power can get up to £750.
If you're worried about bills, you can always call your energy provider as well.
They have a responsibility to support customers who are struggling, or who may be vulnerable due to age or health reasons.
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