Electrician says 'switch off three common devices' to cut bills

UK households are being encouraged to scrutinise the appliances operating in their homes, with an expert cautioning that merely five devices could be adding hundreds to annual energy bills. He also advised unplugging three "vampire" devices.

James Harrison, an electrician at Fusion Electrical, 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."

Washer-dryers

"These are among the biggest culprits," Mr Harrison said. "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."

Tumble dryers

According to Mr Harrison, tumble dryers are not far behind: "They can easily add around £95 a year to your bills. If you are able to air dry clothes, even for part of the time, it might reduce both energy use and costs."

Chest freezers

"These use more power than people realise," he said. "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."

Fridge freezers

Fridge freezers are switched on all year round, making them another hidden drain. Mr Harrison said: "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

Finally, washing machines can add nearly £60 a year. "Running full loads instead of half loads and using lower temperature cycles might help to cut this figure," Mr Harrison suggested.

He further pointed out that so-called "vampire devices" should not be overlooked, highlighting three that most households possess: "Chargers, televisions and game consoles all draw power even on standby. Turning them off at the plug could save a noticeable amount over time, especially during the winter when usage is higher."