In the current economic climate, with a looming recession in the US, a rise in energy bills in the UK, and a cost-of-living crisis worldwide, many households are struggling to make ends meet. As people look for ways to save money, there are opportunists trying to take advantage of this desperation.
If you’ve spent any time on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram, you may have come across ads claiming to offer “electricity-saving boxes” that promise to make your home more energy-efficient and save you a significant amount of money for a low price of $19.99/£14.99. These ads make bold claims, suggesting that the device was invented by Nikola Tesla or endorsed by Elon Musk, or that it works based on questionable theories about sine waves.
However, a closer look reveals that these devices, which you can find on sale on platforms like Amazon, Temu, and AliExpress, do not actually save electricity. In fact, they pose a risk as they are poorly constructed and may even be illegal to sell in the UK. Consumer watchdog Which? tested eight of these devices and found that at best, they did nothing more than light up when plugged in, and at worst, they could cause a fire or electric shock.
Instead of falling for these dubious products, there are practical habits you can adopt to reduce your energy bills. Start by avoiding leaving devices on standby, charging devices overnight, washing clothes in cool water, air-drying clothes, and running the dishwasher only when it’s full. Other tips include taking shorter showers, descaling your kettle, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when leaving a room.
By implementing these energy-saving habits, you can make a significant difference in your energy consumption and lower your bills without relying on questionable devices. Remember, there’s no quick fix to reducing your energy costs, but small changes in your daily habits can add up to substantial savings over time.