For many people across the UK, bills are soaring. This year the much-needed £300 Winter Fuel Payment has been axed for many state pensioners with people looking at any way that they can save money whilst staying warm.
To help, energy specialists at Grant Store are urging pensioners to look at what appliances they leave plugged in and if there’s any that even seem harmless, they should be turned off. This is because even on standby, many items we use often can quietly sap electricity and pile on extra costs.
The expert stressed: “Many people don’t realise that appliances like TVs and PCs continue to draw power when they’re not in use. These devices are designed to remain on standby, ready to spring into action, but this convenience comes at a cost. Over time, the energy they consume adds up, and for pensioners already struggling with rising bills, every penny counts.”
Devices such as wireless speakers, smart speakers, and sound bars are the top offenders for energy consumption on standby, said the expert. It is estimated they cost around £6 per year, per device, assuming 20 hours of standby daily
“While £6 may seem insignificant, it’s important to remember that this cost multiplies with each device left plugged in. For households with multiple gadgets, these small amounts can add up to a noticeable portion of their annual energy bill” the expert adds.
Other devices like phone and laptop chargers and adapters also draw small amounts of power when left plugged in but not actively used. Unplugging these can lead to savings of between £5 and £10 a year, depending on the number of chargers left plugged in.
“Unplugging devices might seem like a small thing, but it can help you build better habits and save money over time, especially if you’re watching your energy bills. Hidden costs like these can make a real difference for those on fixed incomes, such as pensioners,” added the expert.
It doesn’t stop there as people are being reminded that TVs and gaming consoles are also at fault. Using a smart power strip can cut off power to all these devices simultaneously, potentially saving an additional £10 to £20 a year based on usage.
Even kitchen appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters, which may appear innocuous, can be culprits of energy drain. Unplugging them or using a power strip could save another £5 to £15 annually, saving you more money.
Experts from Grant Store are now urging people to start getting into the habit of unplugging gadgets when not in use or turning them off at the wall. The expert further notes the importance of reducing energy costs, especially as state pensioners lose out on their Winter Fuel Payment.
They said: “At a time when state pensioners are losing out on their Winter Fuel Payment, finding ways to cut down on energy costs has never been more crucial.” They also pointed out a simple yet effective method for managing energy bills: “Unplugging devices may seem like a small change, but every little bit helps when you’re dealing with rising costs.”
