These ‘silent household appliances’ could be driving up your electricity bills

An energy expert has warned that a number of “silent appliances” could be driving up the price of your energy bills.

Energy experts from Grant Store have pinpointed four appliances that could be driving up bills but there are some simple steps that can be taken to keep costs down, reports RSVP Live.

“In light of rising living costs, simple actions like switching off lights and using eco modes on appliances are great starting points. For increased savings, switching off ‘vampire devices’ when not in use can potentially save households around €71-€83,” they said.

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They continued: “While some smart devices offer energy-efficient features, others, such as smart speakers and devices with standby power, may increase electricity consumption. It’s important for consumers to know the difference between energy-saving smart technologies and those that add to standby power costs.”

Set-top boxes and recorders

“Set-top boxes and recorders left on standby mode can collectively add around €27 per device annually to electricity bills. Using eco modes during off-hours can help lower standby power consumption and associated costs.”

TVs

“Televisions left on standby mode can be significant contributors to standby power consumption, costing households around €28 per TV per year. Turning off TVs when not in use can lead to substantial energy savings.”

Microwaves

“Microwaves left on standby mode may seem harmless, but they can contribute to significant energy wastage, costing households over €19 per device annually. Switching off microwaves at the plug when not in use can help curb unnecessary energy consumption.”

Phone and tablet chargers

“Charging phones, tablets, computers, and laptops overnight or for long periods can waste energy. While one device might not make a big difference, together, they can affect your energy bill. Setting charging schedules and unplugging devices when fully charged can save energy over time.

“Addressing common energy-wasting habits helps households save money and supports environmental sustainability by reducing energy use. Raising awareness and adopting energy-efficient habits are key steps toward long-term energy conservation.”

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