UK households are being urged to switch off and unplug five key devices before going on holiday this summer – due to the risks to your property as well as your wallet.
Now that the school holidays have officially begun (you can tell by the weather), many thousand of families up and down the country will be getting ready for their big summer break, either abroad or in the UK. But energy experts say they are six appliances you have to unplug or turn off before you head to the airport or jumping in the car.
Energy firm 100Green say that many devices including your boiler and your water supply, should be turned off completely before you leave the house.
They said: “The advice isn’t something to ignore, as when a device/appliance isn’t actively in use, it can still receive electricity, and this is sometimes referred to as ‘vampire energy’ or ‘phantom load’—which in turn, can amount to higher energy bills at the end of the month. Other items can even pose a fire risk, meaning it’s safer to keep them off when you aren’t around.”
Firstly, the boiler.
The firm said: “It’s perfectly okay to turn your boiler off when going on holiday in the summer, plus, this will help you save money on your energy bills.
“However, this can also depend on the time of year. If you choose to take a holiday in the winter, it’s recommended to leave your boiler on at a low temperature as this can help prevent any frozen pipes, which can cause significant damage and some potentially expensive repairs when you return home.”
Next, the water supply: “It’s generally recommended to turn the water off when going on holiday, as this can prevent any leaks or pipes from bursting.
As well as this, water bills can accumulate over time, especially if you already have some persistent leaks, so it’s best to switch off the main water supply while you’re away.”
In the same way, you should also turn off the gas: “It’s always recommended to turn the gas supply to your boiler off when going on holiday, as this will prevent any potential issues arising, such as a gas leak.
However, this will also save you money when it comes to heating your home, especially if you have your heating on a timer.”
The experts also called on homes to switch off their wi-fi box and unplug any other computer devices: “While there aren’t any specific risks that come with leaving your wifi on when on holiday, it may be best to switch this off to save money on your bills.
“It’s also recommended to unplug any electronics, such as computers, laptops, and lamps that could still be receiving electricity. Since these won’t be used, there’s no need for them to be plugged in.”
Lastly, they told families to turn off all plug sockets: “When going on holiday, it’s recommended to unplug and switch off any active plug sockets. By leaving these plugged in, it could cause a potential fire risk in your home.
“In fact, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service reported that around 7,000 house fires are caused by faulty electrics, appliances, wiring and sockets in the UK every year.
“And even when the device/appliance isn’t actively in use, it can still receive electricity, and this is sometimes referred to as ‘vampire energy’ or ‘phantom load’.”