The 'worst appliances' to leave on standby that rack up bills by 'noticeable amount'

Leaving appliances on standby drains energy and hikes up bills, and it's increasingly crucial to turn off appliances or tech when they're not in use.

Many households might not know which items in their home are the biggest culprits for draining their hard-earned cash. Thankfully, Liz Hunter, Director at Money Expert, has revealed the top five "worst appliances" for consuming energy when left on standby.

She clarified: "The term, 'vampire device', is used to describe electrical devices that continue to drain power when they're plugged in but not actually being used, such as leaving a television on standby."

"Although this may be convenient, it will be contributing to your already increasing energy bill. While it may not seem like a major problem in the short term, over the course of a year the aggregate cost of leaving multiple devices on standby can add a noticeable extra amount onto your bills."

"Some of the most common 'vampire devices' include microwaves, computer monitors, coffee machines, white goods and chargers," reports the Express.

While some devices like a modem or a fridge need to be kept on all day, most electronic devices can be turned off at the plug when not in use to save money. Here are the "five worst appliances to keep on standby" and by turning these off "you could save up to £75 a year".

1. Games console

According to an expert, a games console left on standby could be unnecessarily adding an extra £30 to energy bills. This is in addition to daily usage costs, which can vary depending on how long the device is used for.

It's only necessary to leave games consoles on when they're being used, so ensure they're switched off, especially overnight, to save both money and energy.

2. Microwave

If your microwave has a clock display that you often rely on, then it's worth keeping this device plugged in at all times.

However, Liz suggests that if you don't really need this function, it might be beneficial to unplug or switch off at the mains as it adds up to £17 per year to an energy bill.

3. Desktop computer

With many people now working remotely or in a hybrid manner, there has been a significant shift in how we work, meaning desktop computers and computer screens are being used at home much more frequently.

However, leaving these devices plugged in when they're not in use could add an additional £13 per year to energy bills, so make sure to turn them off once work is done to avoid using unnecessary power.

Liz pointed out that those who are home or hybrid workers may even be eligible to claim tax relief towards extra household costs, even if it's just one day a week.

She advised: "This can be from £6 a week and can be backdated from 6 April 2020. What's more, you don't need to keep evidence of any additional costs, however, if you need to claim more than the weekly amount of £6 then you will need to provide evidence such as receipts, bills or contracts. You can claim this relief through the government website."

4. Tumble dryers

Given the unpredictable weather in the UK, many people rely on tumble dryers rather than washing lines to dry their clothes. However, these appliances are notorious for their high energy consumption, and when left on but not in use, they could unnecessarily add around £7 per year to your annual energy bill.

To counter this, consider using an air drying rack and make the most of any dry days by utilising the washing line.

5. Washing machines

Although they're considered an "essential appliance", the average washing machine uses about £4 worth of electricity per day. This cost can increase if the machine is left on standby and not in use, potentially adding an extra £7 to your annual bill.

It might be tricky to unplug washing machines depending on their location, but to conserve energy, try only washing full loads and lowering the temperature to 30 degrees.

If you can reach the plug, turning it off can also save money. If you're in the market for a new machine, it's worth checking out the energy rating - eco-friendly models rated A+++ can help save both money and energy in the long run.

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