Creating a sustainable future
Call us: 01303 248648
Published: 27/02/2015

What Uses The Most Energy In Your Home

So you’re looking to see where your money is going each year on your energy bills. Perhaps you’re wondering how you can save some pennies. Let’s have a look at some of your day to day appliances that are costing you money each time you use them (and when you aren’t!).

Who doesn’t enjoy a sit down with the family at the weekend? Hundreds of thousands of families across the UK sit down in their home on a Saturday night to watch a live show, or a late night film. Some of us stay up late, watching our favourite TV shows until the early hours of the morning. What you might not know is that according to Energy Saving Trust, televisions cost an average of between £4 and £33 a year to run, depending on size (the bigger they are, the more expensive).

Now with many of us developing irregular sleeping patterns from all the streamed TV show binges, where would we be without a kettle for our tea and coffee to keep us going throughout the day? Used an average of 1,500 times a year per household, the kettle is one of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. According to npower, it costs around 2.5p in electricity every time you fill a kettle.

Something more people need to understand is the fact that having your appliances on standby is wasting energy. Again, according to Energy Saving Trust, the average UK household spends £30 a year powering appliances left on standby. You might not think much of it, but every pound and penny adds to your total bill. So it’s certainly worth switching plugs off when you can. If it helps, put it this way; you’re paying for something you aren’t even making use of.

You now know some of the little habits and appliances that are adding to your total energy bills. But kettles aside, let’s take a look at some of the larger appliances that cost you the most.

Expensive appliances to run

So we’ve established that appliances on standby cost you an average of £30 a year. Producing between 129 kg and 175 kg of CO2 each year, a fridge freezer, electric hob and electric tumble dryer can cost between £30 and £40 per annum each. That’s why it’s important to regulate your use of each of these appliances to cut down on your energy bills.

Another expensive appliance is a dishwasher. They take up a significant chunk of many people’s energy bill, costing an average of £41 a year to run (according to Energy Saving Trust). That’s why it’s a good idea to use alternative methods when possible. For example, simply wash dishes the old fashion way – by hand! Another example would be to dry your clothes outside in the summer. This will reduce your electricity consumption considerably.

Why don’t you look at using energy efficient appliances that are A+++ rated? This could be anything from a fridge/freezer to a washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer. With these A+++ rated appliances you’ll not only be helping to save the planet one step at a time, but you’ll also be saving money on energy bills.

Another way you can save money on your energy bills is to install a voltage optimisation (VO) device. With this you’ll only pay for the electricity you need and use. Everyone in the UK is charged for at least 10% more electric than what is needed because each appliance in your home only requires 220 volts yet UK power networks supply on average 246V with some as high as 265V.  You can take 10% straight off of your bill with the use of a VO device.

Did you know that the largest utility bill is for heating and hot water? Why don’t you save money and potentially benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive by having a heat pump installed? It’ll help the environment, whilst also saving you money on your energy bills.