With the arrival of January’s chill and shorter days, energy consumption soars as homes crank up the heat to combat the cold. Amidst the escalating cost of living crisis, Brits are on the hunt for ways to slash their energy bills.
One strategy is to scrutinise your appliance usage, assessing how frequently they’re used and whether you can cut down. Gordon Wallis, an energy guru from Your NRG, has pinpointed which home appliances are the worst offenders for guzzling power.
He warns that tumble dryers and dishwashers rank as two of the most power-hungry gadgets in our homes, reports the Express.
Wallis said: “Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. A single cycle can use as much energy as several other appliances combined.
“To save money, consider air-drying your clothes wherever possible or using your dryer’s energy-saving settings.”
Given that a typical cycle gobbles up about 4.5kWh, tumble dryers, while convenient, can become a costly habit. Cutting back on their use and reserving them for when absolutely necessary could lead to savings.
Dishwashers may be a godsend for avoiding kitchen drudgery, but they can also be a drain on your electricity budget if not used wisely.
Wallis said: “Dishwashers can quickly add to your energy costs if used inefficiently. Running the dishwasher only when it’s full and selecting energy-efficient modes can make a noticeable difference to your monthly bills.”
Household appliances such as dishwashers are secret energy guzzlers, with an average 3.6kWh consumed each cycle – experts recommend only running them when full and using energy-saving settings.
As for fridge-freezers, they are a constant in the home but also a continuous energy suck.
He added: “While fridge freezers are essential, they’re always on, making them a constant energy drain. Simple habits like defrosting regularly and keeping the door closed can reduce their impact on your bills.”
The clothes-cleaning staples, washing machines, may increase energy use if you often wash small loads or opt for hot water cycles. Wallis advised: “Switching to eco settings and washing at lower temperatures can significantly lower energy consumption without compromising cleanliness.”
Turn to the manual for best practices, as most detergents are effective even in cooler water.
And don’t overlook ovens – they can be a “hidden energy culprit”, according to the pro. Unnecessary preheating or leaving them running too long adds up on your bill.
Consider air fryers, microwaves, or batch cooking as alternatives for more efficiency. With electric ovens munching roughly 0.87kWh every hour and gas ones slightly higher at about 1.5kWh, he warned: “January can be a tough month for energy bills, but being mindful of how and when you use these appliances can lead to significant savings over time.
“Energy efficiency is about small, consistent changes that add up. With these practical tips, you can reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort or convenience.”
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