A common misconception is that appliances don’t consume power while they’re in standby mode. However, Gwil Snook, appliance director at AO.com, explains this isn’t the case: “Appliances like TVs or microwaves still use a significant amount of energy when in standby. To prevent this, either turn off the plug at the switch or unplug the device entirely, thus saving energy when off.

"Alternatively, consider investing in smart home technology, which enables you to control your devices with the click of a button. By managing standby mode effectively, you can see a positive change in your electricity bills.”

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22 common household ‘facts’ that are actually false