Everyone is looking to reduce their energy bills these days, but did you know you can cut costs simply by turning off some gadgets that have been left on standby?
As the cost of living crisis squeezes millions of households, bargain hunters are searching for ways to stretch their budgets.
Whilst many have found ways to keep warm without turning on the heating, there are other money saving tips to see you through the winter.
READ MORE: RTE Late Late Show viewers divided over ‘embarrassing’ cost of living tips to save money
According to Discount Code, studies have shown that leaving everyday items on standby add unnecessary costs to your annual energy bills in a time when people are desperate to reduce their electricity use.
Natalia Lachim from Discount Code explains that leaving some appliances plugged in and turned on will drain electricity even if you are not using it, reports Edinburgh Live.
"This is because electricity will be allowed to run through, thereby increasing your energy use and, sadly, your energy bills," she said.
Some appliances could be draining energy - and money - just from being left on. Natalia says 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 a roundup of some of the worst offenders:
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
Obviously, Fridges can't be turned off but they can be run to be more energy efficient
"As every household needs to keep their fridge/freezer on, it is hardly surprising that over 12% of the entire household's energy comes from running the fridge/freezer alone," says Natalia.
Running this one appliance costs you around €157 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 the habit tends to add a lot 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 €27.86 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."
READ NEXT:
- Faces of victims of Donegal petrol station explosion as heartbreaking tributes paid
- RTE Late Late Show viewers divided over ‘embarrassing’ cost of living tips to save money
- Chicken, beer and yoghurt in full list of food recalled by Tesco, Dunnes, Lidl and more Irish shops
- Why is there condensation on my window and how can I stop it forming?
- Ireland sex parties 'well mannered but pure filth' as woman lifts lid on closed door fetishes
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
