From electrical appliances like TV’s, fridge freezers and dishwashers, to kettles, toasters and ovens – it’s easy to waste electricity by leaving items on standby. However, smart meters now allow us to see exactly what we’re spending our money on and how our electricity is being distributed. Encouraging us to decrease our carbon emissions, which are linked to climate change – smart meters put the ownership of electricity in our hands.
With more and more of us making the conscious decision to lower our carbon footprint, understanding what uses the most electricity in our home is now more vital than ever. So, to help you curb your power consumption, we’ve put together our guide of energy-saving tips.
What does UK power consumption mean?
UK power consumption refers to the electricity per unit time supplied to a home appliance. It is typically measured in watts or kilowatts (kWh).
What is the average electricity usage per day in the UK?
The average kWh per day in a UK household is between 8.5 to 10 kWh. Many elements can influence your average energy consumption and how much you pay for your electricity – including the equipment that you use.
Average electricity bills in the UK
The average energy bill price will depend very heavily on the amount of electricity you use. According to Emergency 365, “A typical one to two-bedroom house will have a monthly electricity bill of around £34, with an annual cost of £408. Whereas, a three to four-bedroom house will see a monthly energy cost of around £49, with a yearly expense of £588.”
What appliance uses the most electricity in the house?
What appliances use the most electricity in the home? This is a frequently asked question that can be answered with the following facts and figures:
1. How much electricity does a TV use?
On average, most 55 inch smart televisions use approximately one unit of electricity to power around 12 hours of viewing – that works out at 2p an hour.
2. How much electricity does a dishwasher use?
Depending on the model, when based on a daily wash an A+++ rated dishwasher can cost up to £23 annually to run. Meanwhile, B-rated models can cost around £43 to power. On average, around 2% of your energy bill is used by your dishwasher.
3. How much electricity does a fridge freezer use?
We all know your fridge freezer is constantly using electricity, and the larger it is the more energy it eats up. Research has shown that an A-rated 180L fridge freezer can cost around £39 a year to run. A larger 525L capacity model will heighten your fridge power consumption to around £52 annually. 8% of your electricity bill can be assigned to your fridge freezer.
4. How much electricity does the oven use?
An electric oven can be a costly appliance to operate, with a 3.3kw oven setting you back a whopping £90 annually, when used for 30 minutes daily. Surprisingly, on average, an electric oven only equates to 3% of your electricity bill.
5. How much electricity does the tumble dryer use?
It’s well known that a tumble dryer is a pricey appliance to run. The average yearly cost of running these apparel drying machines is estimated at £85! That works out at 13% of the average home’s annual energy consumption – it’s a good job we don’t need to use them as much during the summer!
6. How much electricity do heating and lighting use?
We all know that central heating systems are a necessary cost to keep your home at just the right temperature all year round. However, heating systems can use up to 27% of all your electricity. Meanwhile, water heaters can use up an additional 14% and lighting an estimated 12% – so it pays to conserve your energy where possible.
7. How much electricity do miscellaneous appliances use?
Did you know that boiling a kettle for 10 minutes per day can cost you up to £30 a year? But all is not lost! Filling your kettle with only one or two cups of water can halve this expense – winner!
Elsewhere, a desktop computer can set you back an additional £15 yearly, when used daily. Meanwhile, laptops and tablets are considered far more energy-efficient.
Why is my electricity bill so high?
When it comes to increasing electricity bills, several factors could be at play. From meter reader malfunctions and faulty appliances, to hot water tank problems and heating issues – it’s key to identify the potential reasons for your bill increase and tackle them. It may well be that you’re simply using more energy than usual or forgotten to switch off electricity-draining appliances. Keeping an eye on all of these elements can help you reduce your carbon footprint and lower your electricity bills.
If you’re looking to cover yourself against faulty kitchen appliances or washing machine breakdowns, why not find out more about Kitchen Appliance Insurance
How can you save energy?
There are many factors you can tackle in your pursuit of saving energy and reducing your electricity bills. From installing a smart thermostat and getting your boiler serviced to fitting energy-efficient bulbs and turning appliances off standby, there seems to be a never-ending list of energy-efficient tips and tricks to keep your costs low.
Many of them are simple lifestyle changes that are easy to implement. For example – opting to hand wash dishes when possible, making the most of cooking appliances like toasters and microwaves to prevent costly oven usage, and not overloading the tumble dryer to ensure proper drying the first time around.
There really are plenty of carbon-reducing steps everyone can take to save energy and keep electricity bills down.
To learn more pointers on keeping your electricity bills low, why not check out 14 energy saving tips for the home.
