The expense of living has reached its highest point in ten years, with the most significant cost being attributed to household energy bills.
Opting for the most energy-efficient household appliance that meets your requirements can assist in both conserving energy and saving money on your bills. However, some commonplace household items consume more energy than others.
In this context, we identify the primary electricity consumers in households and provide suggestions on optimizing their usage for maximum efficiency, aiming to assist you in lowering your energy bill.
Wet appliances
Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers collectively contribute to 14% of a standard energy bill, claiming the top position in our ranking. The energy-intensive nature of these household appliances is attributed to the power required for heating the water they utilize.
Actively choosing to wash clothes at a lower temperature can help reduce your energy consumption and try to avoid washing half loads to save water. The same advice goes for your dishwasher: use the Eco setting if it has one and try to wait until it’s full to set it off. We’ve got more tips in our blog on being energy efficient when using your washing machine.
Cold appliances
Refrigerators and freezers constitute approximately 13% of the typical household’s energy expenditure. Due to their inherent functioning, these appliances operate continuously, drawing power consistently to uphold a stable temperature.
They’re also among the longest lasting appliances in our home. The typical fridge-freezer has a lifespan of 17 years!
Since they’ll be on 24 hours a day, and could last you 17 years, there’s a huge benefit to investing in an energy efficient one. The next time you’re buying a new fridge or freezer, consider the smallest that meets your needs, as well as the highest rated one you can afford.
Consumer electronics
Today, our dependence on consumer electronics, ranging from laptops and TVs to game consoles, is significantly higher. Therefore, it’s not unexpected that these devices claim the third position, making up roughly 6% of your overall energy bill.
Some of the oldest advice remains relevant: remember to turn your devices off standby where possible.
If it’s time for a new TV, look for the most energy efficient one you can afford, or choose a smaller screen size to save on running costs. We have more advice on choosing home appliances, including top things to look out for to reduce your energy bills.
Lighting
Following closely behind electronic devices, lighting accounts for about 5% of an average home’s total energy expenditure. You can decrease your energy consumption by substituting halogen bulbs with LEDs.
LEDs come in a range of shades from cool to warm, allowing you to create the lighting effect that you want for your home. If the average household replaced all bulbs with LEDs, it would cost about £180 and save around £60 a year on bills.
Another tip: turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £25 a year on your annual energy bills.
Cooking
Could your cooking practices be contributing excessively to your energy bills? Roughly 4% of your energy expenditure is allocated to powering kitchen appliances, encompassing the hob, oven, kettle, and microwave.
Microwaves are more efficient than ovens at cooking, as they only heat the food and not the air space inside. And try to avoid overfilling the kettle and save yourself £11 a year on your electricity bill.
Check out our quick tips page to see how much you could save on your energy bills.
Source: energy saving trust
