It is no secret that people’s outgoings have risen drastically of late. Inflation, especially rocketing food and energy costs, are taking their toll.
And so, people are looking to save money wherever they can.
To this end, the most power-draining home devices have been identified.
An expert has warned people about these, providing tips on how to avoid unecessary and avoidable additional costs that will add to already hefty bills.
Chris Madikian, an electrical specialist at The Local Electrician, highlighted the key offenders likely causing the most significant spikes in energy bills to the Mirror. He also has some simple tips for reducing their costly impact.
Mr Madikian said: “By making small adjustments like washing clothes in cold water or adjusting fridge temperatures, homeowners can not only lower their bills but also reduce their environmental impact.
“It’s all about making smarter choices with the devices we rely on every day.”
Full list of devices
A washing machine can use 244 kWh/year, that’s £59.78 per year.
To cut down on costs, it is advisable to wash on lower temperatures, use full loads and avoid pre-wash settings to cut down on energy costs.
A fridge-freezer can use 302 kWh/year, that’s £73.99 per year.
Chris recommended cranking the fridge setting to 4°C and avoiding frequent door opening.
This mitigates costs and ensures the appliance is still doing its job.
A chest freezer, meanwhile, can use 304 kWh/year. That’s £74.48 per year.
The appliance is most like using a significant amount of energy to maintain a steady temperature.
But, by regularly defrosting your freezer, ensuring door seals are intact and maintaining an optimal -18°C, you will ensure maximum energy efficiency.
The tumble dryer is another culprit, using 388 kWh/year. That’s £95.06 per year.
People have been urged to try heated clothes airers, dehumidifiers or air-drying as much as possible to save energy and reduce appliance wear.
The washer-dryer uses 425 kWh/year. That’s £104.13 per year.
To save money, it is advisable to use cold-water washes, run full loads, use heated clothes airers.
If possible, you could try air-drying clothes to significantly cut down on energy consumption.
