5 appliances experts say to unplug immediately – they make your home hotter and waste energy in a heatwave
These easy switches help beat the heat and will save you money in the long run
Experts have revealed the five household appliances to switch off during a heatwave to help your home stay cool and save money on your energy bills,
If you’ve been wondering whether you should switch off appliances during summer, the answer is yes, you should. Not only do vampire devices cause your bills to add up, but many appliances emit excess heat, which is never a good thing in periods of hot weather.
Turning off household appliances you’re not using is a great, free way to cool your home. These are the five the experts say to turn off now.
1. Countertop appliances
While the best air fryers, microwaves, blenders and perhaps the viral Ninja Creami (£199.99 at Amazon), considering the weather, are great appliances to have on your countertops, they do produce unnecessary heat if not unplugged.
‘The kitchen can easily become the hottest room in the house, especially when cooking or with larger appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers running. This can become unbearable during heatwaves, so there are some small steps you can take to help reduce room temperature,’ says appliance expert at AO.com, Katie Lillywhite.
'Start with smaller worktop appliances, like microwaves, kettles, toasters and coffee machines. Some more modern varieties feature digital displays which can generate more heat alongside internal components. Switching them off at the outlet when they’re not in use can keep the space cooler.
2. Tumple dryers
You should also be avoiding your tumble dryer and drying clothes outside where possible. If you have a small garden or balcony, Argos Home’s £11 retractable line is great for small spaces.
‘Tumble dryers are among the greatest sources of indoor heat generated in UK households. Using tumble dryers produces a lot of warm air in the immediate environment, quickly making utility rooms, kitchens, and adjacent rooms very warm in no time,’ says Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.
‘During times of heatwaves, it is worthwhile to make use of the weather and dry clothes outside whenever possible. It not only keeps your house cooler, but it also cuts back on your expenses.’
3. Standby electronics
Another big culprit for excessive heat is standby electronics. From TVs to game consoles, these all emit extra heat you don’t need during a heatwave.
‘Many people underestimate how much heat everyday electronics generate, even in standby mode. Smart TV’s, games consoles and streaming boxes continually draw power and release low-level heat which can subtly raise room temperature when combined with other appliances,’ says Katie.
‘Try to keep them unplugged when not in use on hot days, as this will not only cut energy consumption but also reduce heat that can make a room feel stuffy.’
4. Chargers and adapters
During the most recent heatwave, I was kind of worried my phone was about to explode whilst charging. It is an old model, but I couldn’t believe the heat coming off it - and experts say you should avoid leaving them plugged in when you don’t need them.
‘Mobile phone chargers, laptop chargers and adapters tend to remain connected to the wall socket at all times. If you've ever picked up an adapter that wasn't in use, only to find out that it was still hot to the touch, it's because it was still using some electricity,’ says Max.
‘As insignificant as the effect is by itself, their cumulative effects lead to energy wastage and generate unwanted heat. Unplugging them would be one way of saving some energy.’
5. Lights
Lastly, your lighting can be generating excess heat and wasting lighting. While layered lighting might be a popular lighting trend, ask yourself if you really need it during hot weather.
‘Lighting is something that is often overlooked as a means of generating unnecessary heat. Older bulbs, in particular, can give off a lot more heat when compared to LED alternatives. Be sure to keep lights switched off as much as possible throughout the day and consider swapping incandescent or halogen bulbs for LEDs,’ says Katie.
Smart bulbs use less energy than regular bulbs. Plus, you can control them your phone, which is perfect if you're someone who forgets to turn the lights off.
Switch off plugs from your phone with smart plugs. These even monitor your energy usage, helping you save money in the long run.
If you're struggling to stay cool, air coolers are a great solution. This one can be used inside and outdoors, and can cool up to 50 m2.
If you want to stay cool and save money, make sure you keep these appliances switched off when not in use.
