Unplug appliances when on holiday and save money

This year's holiday makers could be missing a trick by leaving electrical devices on standby, wasting as much as £14 in energy usage during a fortnight's holiday, warns Tescocompare.com, the financial search engine.

Debra Williams, spokesperson for Tescocompare.com commented: "Although this isn't a massive amount, it is money which could easily be saved if electrical appliances were switched off at the source or unplugged altogether. Most devices continue to use energy when left on standby, and can easily consume 10kWh per day - costing up to a £1 a day when the appliance is unused. Those going on a traditional two-week break could be wasting an average of £14 whilst they are away."

Turning appliances off at the switch doesn't automatically disconnect them from the grid - some gadgets will continue to draw a significant amount of electrical current unless they are unplugged from the source. Follow these easy steps and keep your home safe and energy efficient while you're away.

Step 1: Avoid the standby trap - unplug the following devices the day you go on holiday:

TVs
DVD players
Stereos
Computers - and all attached devices i.e. printers, scanners, monitors etc
Radios

Step 2: Other appliances can be switched off altogether during the time you are away:

Fridge / Freezer - consider emptying your fridge / freezer and defrosting it while you're away - not only does this give you the chance to have a clean out, but defrosting these appliances regularly makes them work more efficiently and use less energy in the long run

Microwave
Dishwasher
Electric boilers
Electric towel rails

Step 3: Remember to unplug the extension cord as well as the actual appliance; otherwise you will still be unnecessary energy

Step 4: If you are concerned about the cost of energy, don't forget to check how much you could save by switching energy tariffs. Visit tescocompare.com to compare the latest energy deals.