The Organization of Consumers and Users ensures that you can save up to 20 euros if you unplug electrical appliances from home
If you are going on a trip, you may wonder if it is convenient to turn off the appliances or not, and if this gesture can really help you save on the electricity bill. A receipt that in the last year has risen in such a way that the government of Pedro Sánchez has had to lower the VAT on electricity from 10% to 5% to alleviate the problem. For this reason, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) indicates that you can save up to 20 euros if you unplug some of your devices.
If you are one of the lucky ones who have a house on the beach or have a trip planned for these holidays and you are going to spend several weeks away from home, you can turn off some of your appliances while they are not being used. In addition to being safer for your home, it is a way to reduce electricity consumption. But, what appliances can you turn off and which ones save your pocket?
Small Appliances and Appliances
The OCU explains that it is advisable to disconnect all household appliances, since with this gesture you will avoid ‘stand-by’ consumption, which usually accounts for around 10% of the energy you consume in your home. This consumption translates into 7.5 euros per month. In addition, appliances such as the oven or microwave have clocks, indicators and memories that, when connected to the current, consume without using them.
Likewise, it is advisable to unplug coffee makers, toasters or kitchen robots that are usually left connected to the current all day. On the other hand, remove the battery chargers of your electronic devices or the vacuum cleaner from the plugs.
The fridge
If you spend many days without setting foot in your house, turn off the refrigerator because having this appliance on for a month costs approximately 3.5 euros if it is the combi model, and up to 7 euros if its size is very large. Like the American model. Leave it empty and with the doors open so that it does not generate bad odours. Before leaving on a trip you can take the opportunity to clean it thoroughly.
Of course, you can only unplug it if you are not going to leave food inside and you do not want it to spoil. In this case, to save money you can raise the temperature, since by storing less amount of food it will not require such a cold temperature. If your refrigerator allows it, you can also leave only part of it running. Thus, if you only need to store products in the freezer, you could turn off the other area that you do not use.
The electric thermos
Leaving the electric heater on means a consumption of approximately 7 and 10 euros per month. If you use this appliance to heat water, unplug it to save when you go on vacation. The OCU also recommends closing the water faucets and using the water that is stored until it is completely empty. Thus, you will avoid water leaks and your apartment from flooding in the event of a breakage.
Washer, dryer and dishwasher
Check that the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher are completely empty, since a dirty piece of clothing or a piece of dirty crockery can cause unpleasant odours. For this, it is also recommended to leave the door of these electrical appliances open. Before you leave, dry the rubber bands in the washing machine so that no moisture is generated. On your return you can take the opportunity to clean the washing machine and leave it ready for use. In the case of the dishwasher, you can place a kitchen towel or dry cloth so that it is ajar. In addition, it is convenient that the tank where the water condenses in the dryer is emptied.
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