With the price of energy bills rising, households are being urged to be more careful with the appliances they are using in their homes.
However, there are a few things you can be doing to help save a bit of extra money like unplugging "vampire" appliances.
An expert has warned there are several devices and appliances that could be adding hundreds of pounds onto your yearly energy bills.
How to keep the price of energy bills down
An electrician from Fusion Electrical, James Harrison, said: “People are often surprised when they see how much certain appliances cost to run.
“By being more mindful of how you use them, you could cut your bills by a significant amount.”
Here are the household appliances that are adding hundreds of pounds onto your energy bills.
Chest freezers
James said: “These use more power than people realise.
“A chest freezer can cost around £75 a year to keep running.
“They are convenient, but it is worth checking if you really need that extra capacity.”
Tumble dryers
James recommends air drying clothes where possible as tumble dryers can add around £95 a year to your bills.
He said: “If you are able to air dry clothes, even for part of the time, it might reduce both energy use and costs.”
Fridge freezers
Fridge freezers can be a drain on energy with James saying: “They can cost roughly £74 a year.
“Keeping the temperature at about four degrees and avoiding opening the door too often could improve efficiency.”
Washing machines
Washing machines can cost nearly £60 a year with James suggesting only running full loads and using lower temperature cycles.
Washer dryers
On washer dryers, James said: “These are among the biggest culprits.
“A washer dryer can cost more than £100 a year to run.
“Using cold washes and air drying clothes when possible could make a real difference.”
‘Vampire’ appliances you should also turn off
James also noted several appliances called "vampire devices" that can drain power and should be completely switched off.
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He said that chargers, televisions, and games consoles will all use power even when they are on standby.
He added: “Turning them off at the plug could save a noticeable amount over time, especially during the winter when usage is higher.”
Will you be avoiding using any of these appliances throughout the winter? Let us know in the comments.
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