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Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity?

Did you know that when a plugged-in device uses electricity without being turned on it’s known as a phantom charge? This phantom charge is real as devices expend power even when they’re in sleep mode. Electricity is being used for clocks on microwaves, power-on lights, and phone chargers – secretly consuming amounts of energy.

The average home contains approximately 40 products that are constantly drawing power –and together these sleeping devices can account for around 10% of a household energy source – and this percentage continues to grow.

Does unplugging appliances save electricity? Get answers to some frequently asked questions here…

What appliances use the most electricity in the UK?

The most energy in your home is used by your:

  • Water heater
  • Washing machine and tumble dryer
  • Lights
  • Fridge/freezer
  • Oven
  • TV and DVD player
  • Dishwasher

Which home appliances use the most electricity?

Energy use can be broken down into percentages as shown below:

  • Water heater – 14%
  • Washer and dryer – 13%
  • Lighting – 12%
  • Fridge/freezer – 4%
  • Oven – 4%
  • TV/DVD – 3%
  • Dishwasher –2%
  • Computer – 1%
  • Miscellaneous – 47%

What are the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances?

Energy Star appliances use less standby power than standard models. Energy-efficient labels are found on washing machines, fridge-freezers, ovens, dishwashers, and tumble dryers. By law, new machines must carry the European Energy Rating label rating from A – the most efficient with least energy used – to G being the least efficient with the most energy used.

Which appliances use the most electricity at home in the UK?

Your fridge/freezer can be a source of higher electricity if it’s an older model. Investing in a new A+++ rating appliance will use an average of 80% less energy and release far less Co2 emissions.

A tumble dryer can be expensive if used on a regular basis so making sure the dryer has a full load will help maximise efficiency. On sunny days opt for drying clothes on a clothesline outdoors.

Make the most of your electric hob by using an appropriately sized saucepan with the lid left on to keep heat in and reduce cooking time.

Filling your dishwasher correctly and using energy-saving settings make take longer but will ensure energy efficiency and still get the best cleaning results.

Energy-efficient bulbs used for lighting will ensure longevity as well as cutting down on energy costs.

How much does standby power cost?

The unit rate you pay for electricity will vary depending on the energy price plan you’re on and your supplier. The average cost of electricity per kWh is 14.37 pence. Research has shown that standby power only accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of your entire bill which on average is around £6 per month, or £72 a year.

Older appliances like ovens without digital clocks and washing machines with manual dials are less likely to draw power simply because there either switched on or off – but are much less energy efficient when operating.

How can I reduce the phantom charge?

If you turn off electrical appliances when not in use you also protect your appliances from surges in electricity. Small surges often occur when large appliances turn on, and over time can gradually wear away at other appliances on the same circuit, shortening their lifespan.

Minimise your use of standby power by unplugging devices that you rarely use, and with the introduction of a power strip. Multiple devices can be plugged into the same strip and flipping the switch disconnects the electricity from them all.

Electrical items you may save money on by unplugging include desktop computers and laptops, games consoles and TV boxes, TV, phone chargers, printers, and the microwave.

And appliance repair London experts will fix a whole range of domestic devices to ensure they’re operating effectively – and not wasting any electricity.