Energy experts at Eclipse Energy have recently highlighted a simple yet effective way to significantly reduce energy bills for households. By making a conscious effort to turn off three key home appliances instead of leaving them on standby mode, families could see a noticeable decrease in their energy consumption and subsequently, their bills.
Over the past couple of years, energy bills have shown fluctuating patterns, with some houses experiencing steep costs, despite a general decrease from the peak in late 2023 and early 2024. One common but overlooked practice contributing to high energy consumption is leaving appliances on standby mode, where they continue to draw power even when not actively in use. Eclipse Energy specialists advise against leaving three particular appliances in standby mode, as they can be significant energy drainers.
The first appliance identified by the experts is televisions, which are noted as one of the worst culprits when left on standby. Televisions can use up to 20 watts of energy while in standby mode, which can accumulate over time. By switching off the TV completely when not in use, households could potentially save around £30 per year on their energy bills. The Energy Saving Trust supports this recommendation, highlighting the cost-saving benefits of turning off televisions entirely.
In addition to televisions, devices such as satellite TV boxes from providers like Sky or Virgin Media are also highlighted for their energy consumption in standby mode. These set-top boxes can draw a significant amount of energy, with some using up to 30 watts while on standby. To reduce energy usage and save money, experts suggest turning off the set-top box when not actively watching TV. By adopting this practice, households could save around £20 per year on their energy bills.
Lastly, game consoles are flagged as another major energy consumer when left in standby mode. Despite the presence of energy-saving features in modern gaming consoles, they can still consume a substantial amount of power, with some drawing as much as 45 watts in standby. To cut down on energy consumption, experts recommend completely switching off or disconnecting the game console from the power socket when not in use. By doing so, households could save around £30 per year on their energy bills.
By being mindful of these three appliances and actively taking steps to turn them off completely instead of leaving them on standby, households have the potential to make significant savings on their energy bills. This not only benefits households financially but also contributes to reducing their carbon footprint. Simple changes in energy consumption habits can go a long way in promoting energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in homes.
In conclusion, the advice from Eclipse Energy serves as a reminder for households to be proactive in managing their energy usage. Awareness of the impact of standby mode on energy consumption, coupled with small adjustments like turning off appliances completely, can lead to tangible savings over time. Making informed choices about energy usage is not only beneficial for individual households but also plays a part in promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.