UK households have been warned to switch an 'energy hog' off INSTEAD of using standby. Eric Bramlett, a property expert and proprietor of Bramlett Residential, has identified the top five appliances you "should never" leave on standby.

He said: "They can be real energy hogs on standby. A client of mine saw their energy bills drop after turning off their console when not in use." The Energy Saving Trust expert also stressed the importance of keeping appliances updated as it "can improve energy management".

Games consoles and satellite boxes were namechecked by Eric, as well as ageing appliances. He explained: "A friend of mine found that unplugging their cable box when not in use made a difference in their monthly energy bills."

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