The cost of living crisis is continuing with people now switching their heating off and instead opting to layer up.
This is all in a bid to avoid large bills with the energy price cap having risen during the weekend on October 1.
However while people haven't been reaching for the heating dial to keep themselves warm as much as they usually would, many have also been switching items off at the wall.
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It comes as experts have been sharing tips and tricks on how to save money whilst not letting your appliances drain money from your account.
According to Discount Code, studies have shown that leaving everyday items on standby can add unnecessary costs to your annual energy bills and at a time where people in the UK are cutting costs, it's worth trying to do so where possible.
Natalia Lachim from the Discount Code explains that leaving some appliances plugged in and turned on will drain electricity even if you are not using it. She says, "This is because electricity will be allowed to run through, thereby increasing your energy use and, sadly, your energy bills."
According to Natalia, some common household items are pretty bad offenders that, in the long run, is costing you the most money. So what are they? Here's what they've said.
Common household items that are draining energy and costing you money
Television
Technological advances have unfortunately not made it easier to actually switch off your TV. Whilst your old-fashioned TV would have a big switch-off button, modern TVs with their remote controls, usually only offer standby mode.
So, if you don’t want it idling in standby mode, you will have to make the effort to get up and turn the set off at the wall.
A 2021 study showed that a massive 98% of UK households admit to leaving their TV on standby at all times, with many wrongly assuming that turning off via the remote switches it off entirely.
Fridge/Freezer
“As every household needs to keep their fridge/freezer on, it is hardly surprising that over 12 per cent of the entire household’s energy comes from running the fridge/freezer alone,” says Natalia.
Running this one appliance costs you around £138.72 per year. Whilst you cannot simply turn off your fridge, there are ways to ensure it works as efficiently as possible.
The simplest way to make sure the fridge functions properly, according to her, is to routinely clean both the exterior and the interior. “Dusting the exterior means the cooling system won’t get affected, whereas cleaning the interior and disposing of any out-of-date food will ensure that the fridge doesn’t need to work as hard to keep food cool or frozen.”
Gaming consoles
Playing games is a lot of fun, but it’s also adding a to your energy bill. Gaming consoles frequently go unnoticed and are just as likely to be left plugged in and on as the TV.
Plugged in chargers
With many people working from home these days, almost all of us are guilty of leaving our chargers plugged in and ready to charge as soon as we need them. While it may be convenient, it is not the most cost-effective way to juice up your devices.
Alarm clock
Did the gloomy weather make you invest in a SAD lamp? Or maybe you favour using a traditional alarm clock instead? Whatever the reason, alarm clocks connected to your mains will add to your energy bill.
“If your alarm clock is mains operated and is plugged in all the time, it can cost you around £24.48 annually. Although this may not seem too expensive, to make further savings, you could consider turning off your clock when not in use and simply reset the time and your alarm before going to bed."
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