putting a switch on the plugs in my house?

[suicideneil]

Think of a circuit breaker as a safety switch (thats what it is really)- like the emergency stop button on a lather or pillar drill etc. Its just a bit odd to use the emergency stop button instead of the normal on/off switch is all.

As for energy guzzling appliances:
hairdyer = I have a grade 3 hair cut- no need for one!
Tumble drier = I use the airing cupboard or the clothes airer infront of a window.
Heater = I never have them on, only in the depths of winter if it gets really cold, then I just have the one in my bedroom on and keep the door closed to trap the heat.