Electricity: unplug these seven devices daily to save a lot of money

As household electricity bills are set to rise by close to 10%, there are simple daily habits that can help you keep your monthly costs down-starting with what you leave plugged in.

With energy use now a priority for both financial and environmental reasons, it is worth taking a hard look at everyday routines. Industry estimates suggest that up to 10% of an electricity bill can come from devices left in standby mode. In other words, a meaningful slice of a household’s yearly spending can be avoided with a few straightforward changes in how we use (and switch off) domestic equipment.

In a typical home, the number of electrical and electronic devices sitting on standby is estimated to range from 15 to 50. Even though they appear “off”, standby circuits continue to draw power.

This is largely because many products keep a small transformer running continuously, converting alternating current into direct current and creating a constant trickle of consumption. Since 2017, an EU rule has capped standby consumption at 0.5 W, and up to 3 W for connected devices.

Even with these limits, residual standby use can still exceed 50 W per household, which can translate into a noticeable rise in annual costs-estimated at at least €80 per year (roughly £70).

The list of 7 devices to unplug to reduce your electricity bill

To make savings, you simply need to unplug a handful of devices each day. A note of caution: some appliances-such as washing machines and dishwashers-may need to remain on standby for safety features and longevity. Others, however, can be unplugged to help reduce your monthly bill. Here are seven of the most electricity-hungry devices to watch.

• Television: often the biggest standby culprit. A TV can use up to 180 kWh per year, similar to a fridge that runs continuously. In standby, it typically draws 1–2 W per hour.
• Desktop computer: with multiple components, a desktop can be a heavy energy user-particularly in standby-adding up to a sizeable annual cost. The more powerful the machine, the higher the draw. Gaming PCs can be especially expensive to run, particularly if they include always-on LED lighting.
• Games console: surprisingly, around 91% of a console’s energy use can be attributed to the time it spends on standby. Unplugging it after use helps avoid waste-unless you value automatic updates more than lowering your energy costs.
• Broadband router (“internet box”): while it uses around 30% less energy in standby than when actively running, unplugging it can still help reduce your electricity bill. Of course, turning it off affects convenience, so it makes more sense to unplug it when you are out.
• Smartphone charger: often left plugged in all day, it can still draw power even when no phone is connected. That said, if you own a recent smartphone, you may already have a “smart” charger that uses almost nothing in standby.
• Printer: occasional use rarely justifies constant standby consumption, so unplugging it after printing is usually sensible. Many printers also include a timer that powers them down automatically after a period of inactivity.
• Small kitchen appliances: coffee makers, espresso machines, toasters, and other countertop devices left in standby can consume needless energy. Unplug them when they are not in use.

Other ways to cut electricity use and reduce your electricity bill

Beyond targeted unplugging, everyday energy-saving habits can make a substantial difference. Using high-consumption appliances during off-peak hours (if your tariff offers them), turning the heating down by 1°C, choosing eco modes, and fitting programmable timers are all practical steps that add up over time.

A particularly effective upgrade is to use switched extension leads or smart plugs. These let you cut power to several devices at once (for example, a TV, console, soundbar and set-top box) without constantly pulling plugs in and out. Smart plugs can also schedule shut-off times overnight, helping to reduce standby mode consumption without affecting your routine.

It also helps to check device settings: many consoles, TVs and computers offer options such as “energy-saving standby”, automatic power-down, or disabling “instant-on” features. Selecting these settings often reduces background electricity use while keeping the device convenient to operate.

Finally, buying responsibly is a powerful lever for lowering long-term energy consumption. Before purchasing a new appliance, check its energy label and prioritise products carrying the Energy Star label, which indicates better energy efficiency.