Energy bills ‘reduce’ if 1 ‘energy hog’ is turned off | Personal Finance | Finance
1. Games consoles
These powerful gadgets feature energy-saving capabilities but also possess considerable disadvantages. They incorporate an on/off switch that places them into a reduced-power standby state.
Nevertheless, numerous users neglect to switch them off entirely, or they turn off the television whilst leaving the console running, which proves costly.
Eric noted: “They can be real energy hogs on standby. A client of mine saw their energy bills drop after turning off their console when not in use.”
Specialists from the Energy Saving Trust have revealed that gaming consoles account for approximately six per cent of a household’s energy expenditure.
Although this may appear modest, consistently switching off your console can result in meaningful savings over time.
The Energy Saving Trust expert also stressed the importance of keeping consoles updated as it “can improve energy management”.
2. Satellite boxes
Keeping these gadgets on standby can prove rather expensive, Eric revealed. He explained: “A friend of mine found that unplugging their cable box when not in use made a difference in their monthly energy bills.”
These devices in standby mode guzzle similar amounts of electricity as gaming consoles.
3. Ageing appliances
When electrical equipment gets on in years, its performance deteriorates and it begins consuming more electricity. This typically stems from various components breaking down.
An elderly refrigerator stands out as one of the biggest energy drains. Whilst it’s not recommended to switch off such equipment, investing in a newer, more energy-efficient model might prove sensible.
4. Microwave ovens
Even whilst sitting idle, microwave ovens continue drawing electricity purely to maintain their clock display.
Nevertheless, you can conserve some energy by disconnecting the microwave or utilising a power strip to shut it off, which could “lower your electricity bill” the expert suggested.
5. Desktop computers
Desktop computers have earned a reputation for devouring more power than laptops, so always remember to shut them down entirely.
Eric warned: “Don’t even get me started on those. Just shut them down when you’re done using them and watch your bills melt away.”
