A new study has uncovered the most common energy-wasting habits that could be costing you £141 a year, from leaving devices on standby to overfilling your kettle.
Leaving devices on standby might seem harmless, but it can quietly add extra quid to your energy bills each month. Many household gadgets continue to draw power even when they’re not in use.
These hidden drains, often dubbed “vampire devices,” accumulate over time and mean you’re paying for electricity you don’t actually benefit from. Almost two thirds (64%) of Brits confess to leaving devices on standby with over a quarter (26%) admitting to partaking in this habit daily, according to a recent study conducted by Electric Radiators Direct which surveyed 2,000 Brits to uncover energy habits across the nation.
Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency expert from Electric Radiators Direct, has illuminated how much some common mistakes are inflating your energy bills, as well as simple ways to stop these bad habits.
He says that unlike switching your devices off at the wall, leaving them on standby still uses a small amount of energy.
Over time, this habit could add up to £141 a year to your household energy bills, reports the Express.
He named four of the most expensive devices to leave on standby:
- Game consoles
- TVs
- Gaming PCs
- Desktop computers
“To avoid these extra costs, unplug your devices when they’re not in use or use smart plugs with timers to automatically cut power. It’s a simple habit change that can lead to big savings,” Stephen advises.
Naming other bad habits, using the wrong kitchen appliances was also one.
Air fryers have become a kitchen essential in many households, often taking over the oven as a speedier cooking method. However, research shows that over two thirds (70%) of Brits still use their oven more frequently than their energy-efficient air fryer.
A quarter (25%) are on the right track, using the air fryer more regularly at least several times a week.
For instance, roasting 600g of chicken in an electric oven costs roughly £0.28, compared to a mere £0.13 in an air fryer. While this difference might seem insignificant, it quickly accumulates over time.
The expert stated: “Switching to energy-efficient appliances like air fryers not only saves time but also reduces energy usage. It’s a simple change that can reduce your bills over time.”
It’s a common habit to boil more water in the kettle than necessary, with over two thirds (67%) of Brits confessing to this bad habit. One in five (20%) even disclosed that this was a daily routine.
While on the cheaper end of bad energy habits, simply boiling more water than required can add £11 to your annual energy bills.
“Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you actually need. It’s not only cheaper, but it also makes for a faster brew.”