‘Silent’ household appliances which are ‘significant contributors’ to energy bills

Energy experts have shared the "silent" household appliances which should be turned off for "big savings" on energy bills.

By Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

A woman is holding a remote control of a smart TV in his hand. In the background you can see the television screen with streaming entertainment apps f

‘Silent’ household appliances which are ‘significant contributors’ to energy bills (Image: Getty)

It can be easy to leave appliances on all of the time, or on standby, but this can add money onto bills.

The energy experts at Grant Store said: “In light of rising living costs, simple actions like switching off lights and using eco modes on appliances are a great starting point.

“For increased savings, switching off vampire devices when not in use can potentially save households around £60 to £70.

“While some smart devices offer energy-efficient features, others, such as smart speakers and devices with standby power, may increase electricity consumption.

“It’s important for consumers to know the difference between energy-saving smart technologies and those that add to standby power costs.”

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1. Set-top boxes and recorders

Set-top boxes and recorders left on standby mode can add around £23 per device annually onto electricity bills.

Using eco modes during off-hours can help to lower standby power consumption and its associated costs.

2. Televisions

Left on standby mode, televisions can be “significant contributors” to standby power consumption, costing £24 per TV per year.

The experts recommended turning them off when not in use to help save on energy bills.

Built in oven and coffee machine in a white kitchen

Microwaves should be turned off when not in use (Image: Getty)

3. Microwaves

The pros said: “Microwaves left on standby mode may seem harmless, but they can contribute to significant energy wastage, costing households over £16 per device annually. 

“Switching off microwaves at the plug when not in use can help curb unnecessary energy consumption."

4. Charging devices on standby

Charging phones, tablets, computers or laptops overnight or for long periods of time can waste energy.

While one device might not make a big difference, together, they can affect your energy bill.

The pros continued: “Setting charging schedules and unplugging devices when fully charged can save energy over time.

“Addressing common energy-wasting habits helps households save money and supports environmental sustainability by reducing energy use.

“Raising awareness and adopting energy-efficient habits are key steps toward long-term energy conservation.”

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