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Topics: Money, UK News, Home, Technology
Anish Vij
There are five household items costing you hundreds in bills a year if you don't unplug them.
Chris Madikian, an electrical expert at The Local Electrician, has revealed the five main appliances that are potentially adding an extra £407 to your energy bill.
The warning comes after Ofgem announced that the energy price cap will increase by 1.2 percent from 1 January to 31 March, 2025.
This means that the average annual bill for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit will increase to £1,738, which is £21 more than the current price cap.
However, Madikian says by unplugging these five devices, you'll save hundreds on your bills.
A washer dryer adds roughly £104.13 a year to your bills, with an average energy usage of 425 kWh annually.
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Instead, it's recommended to air-dry clothes when possible, run full loads and opt for cold water washes.
Costing around £95.06 a year, tumble dryers use up 388 kWh/year and can contribute roughly 11 percent to the average household energy bill.
Again, air-drying where possible is recommended.
The third appliance you need to unplug more is your chest freezer.
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They suck up 304 kWh per year, equating to £74.48 annually in costs.
In fourth place are fridge freezers, which have an annual cost of £73.99 and use up 302 kWh per year.
When you can, try to keep the fridge temperature at 4C and open it as less as possible.
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With an energy usage of 244 kWh per are your washing machines, setting the average household back £59.78 annually.
"As energy costs continue to rise, being aware of the most energy-intensive appliances in our homes-and knowing how to use them efficiently-can lead to substantial savings," Madikian explained.
"By making small adjustments like washing clothes in cold water or adjusting fridge temperatures, homeowners can not only lower their bills but also reduce their environmental impact.
"It's all about making smarter choices with the devices we rely on every day."
Energy expert Gordon Wallis from Your NRG has also warned of the 'vampire devices' draining your energy."
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He explained: "Christmas often means more time at home with family, watching movies, playing games, or enjoying new gadgets, But many devices use energy even in standby mode, which can quietly add to your bill.
"Devices like TVs, game consoles, and phone chargers continue to draw power when not in use. Simply switching them off at the plug can help you save a noticeable amount over the holidays."
"Switch off lights when you leave a room, and close doors to unused spaces to retain heat in the rooms you’re using. These small changes can make a big difference."