Unplugged Everything, Made No Difference To Bill

[barry1010]

I read an article claiming dishwashers and washing machines were using electricity if left plugged in at the socket (socket switched on, obviously) because they needed to be 'at the ready' to heat water.  I was very sceptical.  

My wife and I decided to keep everything unplugged if it was not in use - washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, computers, printers and devices (not the router), fans, dehumidifier, tvs ...the only things left on overnight were security cameras, router, Virgin boxes, fridge and freezers and baby monitors.  All portable devices unplugged and plugs switched off as soon as they were charged.

Not a single penny have we saved.  So much faff, for nothing. As the old adage goes - don't believe everything you read.

Are you fanatical about turning off at the plug? 

 

[Omg21]

We are not fanatical about turning everything off. We leave the TV on stand by and other appliances turned on at the plug socket.  We probably shouldn't but we do!

[Canary42]

Stupid article debunked. Job done. 😊

[ToraToraTora]

The only things that use power when off are things that have a standby like a TV.

[bednobs]

i tend to turn things off at theplug after my washing machine caught fire while not turned on but plugged in about 15 years ago

[ToraToraTora]

well oven clocks etc use a microscopic amount but that would barely register.

[gingejbee]

Not fanatical at all...just a habit really. I see no point in having an item powered at the plug if not in use - DVD recorder and microwave excepted (because they have clocks and timers).

[Hopkirk]

If you want to save more electricity than your TV on standby, just put a tiny bit less water in the kettle.

[barry1010]

Even unplugging our TVs made no difference.

It could depend on how old your appliances are

, I suppose.  My microwave and oven clocks turn themselves off when not in use until I press a button. They keep time, they are not lit up.

[barry1010]

I've got that down to a fine t, Hopkirk. Very rarely do I overfill the kettle.

[Canary42]

Hoppy's right, just a minute or two with an electric kettle will completely swamp any switching-off-standby effort.

[barry1010]

I only use my kettle if my induction hob is in full use.  It boils water faster than any of kettle and is very energy efficient 

[Hopkirk]

Unfortunately my wife is deaf to that. She fills the kettle right up. I've given up now.

[barry1010]

Buy a small travel kettle, that'll stop her :)

[rowanwitch]

Can't be bothered, apart from anything else I find it difficult to get down to socket level.  Before anyone suggests it I have thought about using smart plugs, Can't switch the tv off, as the switch is dodgy, and it's plugged into a socket I can't reach, apparently leaving it on standby  costs the same as boiling a kettle once a week  as I use a one cup boiler it probably offsets it

[barry1010]

I have three large UHD 4k tvs and it makes no difference to my bill whether they are switched off at the plug or not, so I wouldn't worry about it, rowan

[davebro3]

I usually switch of the TV & associated stuff at the plug as it's easy to reach. Others I leave switched on.