Expert reveals 5 family home equipment you shouldn’t depart on standby
With energy bills expected to rise this winter, many households are already adopting energy-saving strategies like smart thermostats, efficient appliances, and limiting water usage.
However, some subtle energy drains often go unnoticed in thousands of homes: appliances left on standby mode.
While they may not be the main culprits behind high electricity bills, these appliances, if not powered down, can significantly contribute to long-term energy costs.
With autumn setting in, cooler temperatures will keep Brits indoors longer, making it more important than ever to identify and eliminate these ‘energy hogs’.
Eric Bramlett, a real estate expert and owner of Bramlett Residential, shared with The Express his top five appliances that should never be left on standby, while stressing the importance of fully powering down these devices to conserve energy.
Some subtle energy drains often go unnoticed in thousands of homes: appliances left on standby mode (stock image)
1. Games consoles
Modern gaming systems are equipped with energy-saving features, but even in standby mode, they consume considerable power.
Many users accidentally leave consoles on standby when they switch off the TV, unaware of the energy drain.
Eric said: ‘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.’
According to the Energy Saving Trust, gaming consoles account for around six per cent of a household’s energy usage.
Though this may seem small, the savings accumulated by turning off your console add up over time.
2. Cable or satellite boxes
Another appliance that many forget to switch off is the cable or satellite box.
Eric shared: ‘A friend of mine found that unplugging their cable box when not in use made a difference in their monthly energy bills.’
These devices consume almost as much energy in standby mode as gaming consoles, making them a hidden drain on electricity.
3. Older appliances
As appliances age, their energy efficiency often declines due to wear and tear on internal components.
Older fridges, in particular, can be significant energy hogs, with Eric recommending upgrading to a more efficient model if possible.
While it may not be practical to turn off a fridge, replacing older appliances could save a significant amount on your energy bill.
Older fridges, in particular, can be significant energy hogs, with Eric recommending upgrading to a more efficient model if possible (stock image)
4. Microwave ovens
Even when not in use, microwave ovens draw power just to keep the clock display running.
Bramlett suggests unplugging the microwave or using a power strip to cut off its power when not needed, as this small step could ‘lower your electricity bill’.
5. Desktop computers
Desktops are notorious for consuming more power than laptops.
Leaving a desktop on standby rather than fully shutting it down can lead to an avoidably high energy consumption.
Eric’s advice was simple: ‘Don’t even get me started on those. Just shut them down when you’re done using them and watch your bills melt away.’
