Page last updated on 22nd April 2026
Unplug appliances and reduce energy bills: energy-saving tips
With everyone thinking more about energy at the moment, we’ve put together some helpful tips to help save energy around the home. In this guide, we’ll explore questions like “does turning off appliances save electricity?” and “what should I unplug to save electricity?”.
We’ve also teamed up with Energy Saving Trust to show you the cost of leaving appliances on standby mode and how switching them off could save you money each year.
What is standby mode?
Standby mode is a low-power state that an appliance, still plugged into the power source, can enter when not being actively used. Your TV, computer, and phone charger are all examples of devices that sit in standby. This state allows your appliances to be powered on quickly when needed.
Does standby mode use electricity?
Many devices in standby mode are not actually ‘off’, even when they appear to be, waiting for a signal to turn on. During this mode, your devices continue to consume a small amount of energy.
While the standby energy consumption of a single device can be small, multiple devices sitting in standby mode could lead to increased energy bills over time. In fact, according to Energy Saving Trust, switching your appliances off standby mode reduces standby power consumption and can save you around £45 a year.
How to reduce standby energy consumption
There are some simple yet effective changes you can make to reduce the standby power consumption in your home:
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Check the sockets around your home
Your first step should be to go around your home and check your plug sockets. If the switch next to the socket is on, whatever is plugged in may be using electricity while in standby mode. But don’t switch everything off at the wall just yet!
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Check the instructions for your appliances
Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record. Your fridge and freezer will also need to be on all the time to maintain a safe temperature.
So, what should you unplug to save electricity? Any appliance that doesn’t require permanent power or use – such as phone chargers, lamps, and kettles. Make sure you’ve double checked your appliances’ instructions before switching them off at the mains.
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Turn off the appliances at the source
If you find any of these types of appliances plugged in at the wall with the socket switch on when they are not being used, turn it off. Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without affecting its settings.
If in doubt, you can also unplug appliances to save energy. Try to get into the habit of unplugging appliances that are fully charged or are no longer in use.
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Check out which appliances use the most energy
Energy Saving Trust has compiled a list of the most energy hungry home appliances. Start here to make the biggest impact.
Is there help and advice for those worried about the cost of energy?
If you are worried about the cost of energy and being able to pay your energy bills, we have information on the support and help which may be available.
You can also browse Government resources on help and advice with the cost of living on the GOV.UK website or get smart energy tips from their ‘Energy Efficient Home’ website.
Remember, by combining our smart energy tips you could save even more on your energy bills. Try reducing your boiler flow temperature or choosing energy efficient lightbulbs.
How much could I pay to run household appliances?
The appliance energy calculator below will show how the price cap change could affect the cost of using everyday household appliances. Simply update the drop-down buttons with your estimated usage to see the costs.
The energy calculator below will show how the price cap change could affect the cost of using everyday household appliances. Simply update the drop-down buttons with your estimated usage to see the costs.
The calculator below will show a cost estimate for the current price cap (April-June 2026), and compare that to the previous price cap (January-March 2026), and the price cap before that (October-December 2025). So, you can see how your energy bills might have changed over time.
Please note: The electricity used by domestic appliances can vary depending on make and model, so we’ve used average power ratings. We have also used the price cap figures for a standard variable rate, so this calculator doesn't take into consideration any fixed tariffs or additional costs.
This calculator was last updated on 01/04/2026.
How will the price cap increase affect my bills?
£37
Cost per month
Based on the current energy price cap
−£5
Compared to the previous price cap
(Jan-Mar 2026)
−£3
Compared to the price cap before the previous
(Oct-Dec 2025)
Our energy saving tips are courtesy of Nesta and Energy Saving Trust
It’s important that you use the energy you need to keep warm, safe and healthy at home. Please visit our trusted partners pages for more information on how to safely implement these tips within your home - Nesta and Energy Saving Trust.
Remember, by combining our smart energy tips you could save even more. Some of these tips include:
