As the cold weather makes its annual return, many Brits face the familiar challenge of soaring energy bills. In an effort to save money, numerous households are limiting their use of central heating, enduring the chill in the hope of keeping costs down. However, even with minimal heating, you might notice your energy bills remain stubbornly high. The culprit could be the very appliances we use daily.
In this blog, we explore five of the most expensive household appliances in your home and how they could silently contribute to your sky-high energy bills outside of the obvious heating costs.
Tumble dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in a typical home. It is tempting to dry your clothes quickly in the tumble dryer instead of hanging them on the clothes horse. However, despite advancements in energy efficiency, tumble dryers still require substantial energy to generate the heat to dry clothes. Try saving the tumble dryer for bigger items, like bed sheets and air dry your clothing over a few days.
Fridge freezers are essential but expensive household appliances to run. Living without a fridge freezer simply is not an option for most people, so it comes down to finding a more efficient approach.
Fridge freezers operate 24/7, becoming a constant drain on energy resources. The energy usage of a fridge freezer depends on its size, age and energy efficiency rating. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient model or ensuring your current one is well-maintained can help reduce energy bills.
Electric heaters become indispensable for many during the colder months, especially if your central heating is on the way out. But these small heaters are also among the appliances that use the most energy and can drain your bank account. Their cost-effectiveness depends on the heater type, the size of the space you are heating and the length of time you are doing it for. Comparing energy efficiency of different models will help you manage your energy bills.
Washing machines are another common culprit for high energy bills, especially when used frequently. Their energy consumption varies based on the model, the wash cycle's temperature and the cycle's length. Opting for washing machines with a high energy efficiency rating and using them more strategically can help cut costs. For example, ensure the machine is full each time you put it on and opt for a cooler wash where possible. This helps you get the most value out of each wash and reduces hot water costs.
Conventional ovens use considerable energy to cook food, especially when used for extended periods or at high temperatures. Alternatives like an air fryer or slow cookers can be considerably cheaper to run. Switching to these alternatives or using your oven more efficiently (e.g., batch cooking) can help reduce energy usage.
The current energy crisis has caused a significant increase in the cost of running electrical appliances. Rising energy prices directly impact your typical energy bill, making it more important than ever to be aware of how much energy certain appliances consume. Being mindful of energy use, seeking energy-efficient alternatives and understanding the running costs of appliances are key strategies in navigating the cost of living crisis.
In summary, while heating remains a primary concern during winter, other appliances like tumble dryers, fridge freezers, electric heaters, washing machines and conventional ovens also contribute significantly to energy bills. By being aware of the most expensive appliances to run and using them more efficiently, you can better manage your monthly energy bill and mitigate the impact of the energy crisis. Remember, small changes in how you use your appliances can lead to significant savings over time.
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