What appliances use the most energy?

With the cost of energy bills in the UK set to rise again in October 2022, many homeowners are keen to reduce the amount of energy they use.

This guide will investigate which appliances use the most energy and how we can save energy in our homes.

Wet Appliances

Sadly, it is the appliances that you need the most that use the most energy. Any device that needs to heat water will use more electricity, and we tend to use settings with higher temperatures to ensure we remove stains and kill germs effectively.

So, according to the Energy Savings Trust, your washing machine and dishwasher are responsible for around 14% of your annual energy usage.

Save energy by:

• Only turning on your appliance when your load is full.
• Choosing lower temperatures and eco settings. The detergent will still work well at 30°C.

Tumble Dryers

On average, we use up to £170 of energy a year running a tumble dryer.

Thanks to our unpredictable weather, we have become more reliant on tumble dryers, with many homes unable to manage without one.

Save energy by:

• Hanging your washing outside on a dry day. It will cost you nothing, and you will benefit from the best fresh laundry smell available!

Fridge and Freezer

Unlike most other appliances, your fridge and freezer are always switched on. With 24-hour use, it is not surprising that they use excessive energy.

If your appliance is older, it may have a poor energy rating. Newer models will be more efficient.

Save energy by:

• Choose a fridge-freezer rather than separate devices, reducing energy use.
• Choose the smallest model you need as this will use less energy.
• Avoid overfilling your fridge and freezer as it makes the motor work harder and uses more energy.
• Choose energy-efficient options when replacing old models.

Central Heating

Most homes have a gas central heating system, and while gas is cheaper than electricity, heating is used a great deal in the winter months.

In the winter, many homes find their energy bills rocketing as they turn up the thermostat to keep warm.

Save energy by:

• Don’t leave your heating on all the time. Smart controls like Hive can help you to take control more efficiently. Use the programming feature to ensure you only heat your home when needed.
• Turn down the thermostat. Just one degree lower can save you £40 a year.
• Bleed your radiators to make sure they work correctly.

What else can you do to save energy?

Upgrade Your Boiler

Once your boiler is over ten years old, it will be less efficient. A new boiler can help you to save up to 40% on your energy bills.

Fit a Smart Meter

Most energy companies will fit a Smart meter for free, enabling you to monitor your costs in real-time. It can be eye-opening to see what devices and appliances are costing you to run.

Replace your Windows

Since 18% of heat is lost through inefficient windows, it makes sense to replace old ones. Choose efficient double-glazing to ensure your home does not suffer from draughts or lose valuable heat.

If you think it is time to upgrade your windows, get in touch with us at Colne Valley Windows for a free no-obligation quote.