Take appliances off standby to save electricity

Why take appliances of standby?

Here’s the deal: Any appliance that has a standby light and/or is warm to touch is using energy. 

Standby mode, also known as “phantom load,” is when an appliance is plugged in but not actively in use, and it is still using a small amount of electricity.

When appliances are left in standby mode, they can add up to 10% to your electricity bill. This might not seem like a lot, but over the course of a year, the cost can add up significantly. By taking appliances off standby mode, you can save money on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

A simple way to save electricity is to get into the habit of switching your appliances off at the wall or unplugging them. Most electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming.

What appliances should be switched off?

The appliances that are most commonly left on standby include televisions, DVD players, computers, and chargers for mobile devices. Even when these appliances are turned off, they are still drawing a small amount of power if they’re plugged in. By unplugging them when they’re not in use, or using a smart power strip that can be turned off with a switch, you can save electricity and money.

On average, it’s been reported that taking appliances off standby mode can save you around £30 per year. It’s a small change that can make a big difference over time. Savings can be even greater if you have a higher consumption of appliances and they are left in standby mode frequently. In that case, unplugging them can save you up to £50 or more per year.

Timer plugs also let you control when certain devices are switched on and off, and are a good investment for certain appliances.

In conclusion

Taking appliances off standby mode is a small but effective way to save electricity and reduce your electricity bill. It’s simple, convenient, and it can save you significant money on your electricity bill over time

Weaning yourself off standby mode could also save you around £35 a year!

More Energy Saving Tips can be found here…

Energy Savings Trust

Related Help & Advice