When you’re sitting in your cozy home, enjoying a cup of tea while the washing machine hums in the background, the last thing on your mind might be how much it’s costing you to run your household appliances. But, let’s face it, energy bills are no joke. With the rising cost of living, it’s becoming more crucial than ever to understand where your money is going. Knowing the costs associated with running your appliances can help you make smarter decisions, whether that’s by investing in more energy-efficient models or simply changing how you use the ones you have. So, let’s break it down, from the kettle that kicks off your day to the dryer that finishes it.
1. The Essential Kettle
Let’s start with something most of us can’t do without: the kettle. Whether you’re a tea fanatic or a coffee connoisseur, the kettle is probably one of the most-used appliances in your home.
Average annual running cost: The average kettle in the UK uses around 0.1 kWh of electricity per boil. If you boil the kettle five times a day (because who can stop at just one cup?), you’re looking at an annual energy consumption of about 182.5 kWh. At the current energy price cap in 2024, which hovers around 34p per kWh, that means your kettle habit costs you roughly £62 a year.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’re the type who only boils exactly what you need and maybe only brew a cuppa once or twice a day, you could cut that cost down to around £25 a year.
Most expensive annual running cost: On the other hand, if you’re one of those who fill the kettle to the brim every time, or you’re part of a large household where the kettle is practically always on, you could be looking at closer to £100 a year.
2. The Trusty Fridge-Freezer
Your fridge-freezer is the strong, silent type. It’s always on, keeping your food fresh and your ice cream ready for those late-night cravings. But this convenience does come at a cost.
Average annual running cost: A typical fridge-freezer in the UK consumes around 408 kWh of electricity per year. That’s an annual cost of about £139. Considering it’s on 24/7, that’s not too shabby.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’ve got an energy-efficient model, maybe a top-of-the-line A+++ rated fridge-freezer, your running costs might drop to around £100 a year.
Most expensive annual running cost: But if you’ve got an older, less efficient model, you could be looking at upwards of £180 a year. Also, if your freezer is packed to the brim with frozen pizzas and ice lollies, it might be working harder, and thus, costing you more.
3. Washing Machines: More Than Just a Spin
Washing machines are another essential. After all, unless you’re keen on hand-washing all your clothes, you’re going to need one. But how much does it really cost to keep your wardrobe fresh?
Average annual running cost: A washing machine typically uses about 0.8 kWh per cycle. If you do around four washes a week, that’s about 166 washes a year, leading to an annual energy consumption of 132.8 kWh. That works out to be about £45 a year.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’ve got a high-efficiency washing machine and maybe do fewer loads with a fuller drum, you could cut that cost down to around £30 a year.
Most expensive annual running cost: On the flip side, if you’re washing smaller loads more frequently or using a less efficient machine, your costs could climb to £60 or more.
4. The Dryer Dilemma
Dryers are one of the more expensive appliances to run, and many Brits are moving away from them in favour of air-drying. But when the weather doesn’t cooperate, a dryer can be a lifesaver.
Average annual running cost: A typical tumble dryer uses about 2.5 kWh per cycle. If you use it twice a week, that’s around 260 kWh a year, costing you about £88 annually.
Cheapest annual running cost: With a highly efficient heat pump dryer, you might get that down to around £50 a year. Or, if you only use it sparingly, just in emergencies, your costs could be even lower.
Most expensive annual running cost: If you’re drying every load of laundry or have an older vented dryer, you could be looking at a hefty £130 or more each year.
5. The Humble Dishwasher
Ah, the dishwasher. Some say it’s a luxury, but once you’ve had one, it’s hard to go back to washing up by hand. But is this convenience costing you more than you think?
Average annual running cost: A standard dishwasher cycle uses about 1.2 kWh. Running it five times a week works out to about 312 kWh per year, costing around £106 annually.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’re running it only when it’s fully loaded and maybe have an energy-efficient model, you could cut that cost down to around £70 a year.
Most expensive annual running cost: But if you’re running it every day, or on less efficient settings, you might be looking at costs of £140 or more each year.
6. Cooking Up a Storm: Ovens and Hobs
Cooking is a necessity, but depending on how you do it, your energy costs can vary widely. Let’s take a look at electric ovens and hobs, which are common in UK homes.
Average annual running cost: An electric oven uses about 1 kWh for an hour of cooking. If you’re cooking for an hour a day, five days a week, that’s around 260 kWh per year, costing you £88 annually. Electric hobs, depending on how much you use them, can add another £60 to your bill.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’re efficient with your cooking – maybe batch cooking or using energy-saving cooking methods like using lids on pans – you might get your annual cooking costs down to around £100.
Most expensive annual running cost: But if you’re using the oven daily for longer periods or using multiple hobs at once, your costs could climb to £150 or more a year.
7. The Glowing TV and Gadgets
In this digital age, we’re surrounded by screens. From the TV to your gaming console, how much do these entertainment essentials cost to keep running?
Average annual running cost: A typical LED TV, used for around five hours a day, consumes about 50 kWh a year. That’s a modest £17 annually. Add in your gaming console, which might use around 70 kWh a year, and that’s another £24, bringing your total to around £41 for your main entertainment setup.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’re mindful of turning off devices when not in use and perhaps don’t use them as much, you could see costs as low as £25 a year.
Most expensive annual running cost: But if you’ve got a big 4K TV and maybe a gaming PC running for hours a day, you could easily be looking at £100 or more annually.
8. The Lightbulb Moment
Lighting your home is essential, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. The type of bulbs you use and how often you leave lights on can make a big difference.
Average annual running cost: An LED bulb, running for around five hours a day, uses about 0.06 kWh per day, or 21.9 kWh a year. That’s about £7.50 annually per bulb. If you’ve got 10 bulbs around the house, that’s £75 a year.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’re good about turning off lights when not needed and maybe have fewer bulbs, you might spend as little as £50 a year on lighting.
Most expensive annual running cost: But if you’ve got older, less efficient bulbs, or simply forget to turn lights off, you could see that cost climb to £100 or more.
9. Heating and Hot Water: The Big Spenders
While not strictly appliances, heating and hot water make up a huge part of your energy bill, so it’s worth understanding their costs.
Average annual running cost: The average UK household spends around £1,000 a year on heating and hot water, with gas boilers typically using about 12,000 kWh a year. If you’re using electric heating, that figure can be much higher.
Cheapest annual running cost: If you’ve got a well-insulated home, a modern, efficient boiler, and maybe even use a smart thermostat, you might bring that cost down to around £800 annually.
Most expensive annual running cost: But if your home is poorly insulated or you’ve got an older boiler, you could easily be looking at £1,500 or more each year.
10. Saving Tips: How to Cut Down on Your Energy Costs
Now that you know how much your appliances are costing you, let’s talk about how to cut those costs down. Here are some practical tips:
1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances: This is a big one. If your appliances are old, they’re probably costing you more than they need to. Look for A+++ rated appliances, which use significantly less energy.
2. Use Appliances Wisely: Simple changes, like only running your dishwasher or washing machine when they’re full, can save you a lot over the course of a year. Similarly, don’t overfill the kettle or leave the fridge door open longer than necessary.
3. Consider Smart Tech: Smart thermostats, smart plugs, and energy monitors can help you keep track of your energy usage and make adjustments to save money.
4. Embrace Natural Drying: If possible, dry your clothes outside on a line or inside on a drying rack instead of using a tumble dryer.
5. Switch Energy Suppliers: If you’re not on a fixed tariff, shopping around for a better deal can sometimes save you hundreds of pounds a year. Use comparison sites to find the best deals.
6. Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation can drastically reduce the amount you spend on heating. Consider upgrading your insulation or installing draught excluders.
7. Use LED Bulbs: If you haven’t already, switch out any old incandescent bulbs for LED ones. They last longer and use a fraction of the energy.
8. Reduce Standby Power: Unplug appliances when not in use, or use a power strip to turn off multiple devices at once. This can save you a surprising amount over the year.
9. Be Mindful of Heating: Turn down your thermostat by just one degree, and you could save around £80 a year. Also, make sure your radiators aren’t blocked by furniture, so they can heat your room more effectively.
10. Boil Only What You Need: When using your kettle, only fill it with as much water as you need. This simple habit can save you money over time.