Top five most energy hungry appliances in your home

It'll probably come as no surprise that wet appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers are the most energy thirsty.

But they’re also essential for most homes. So, what can you do to keep their running costs down? Lots of washing machines and tumble dryers now have an eco-mode. Select this option to get the same results using less energy. And less water too.

Most people know about trusting today’s detergents to do the dirty work and washing clothes at 30°C to save energy. But it’s also worth remembering to use the shortest cycle for your needs. And, as the saying goes, don’t do things by half – try to avoid putting on a wash unless the machine is full.

As for your tumble dryer, you can increase its efficiency by adding dryer balls. These help to separate clothes and circulate hot air more evenly, speeding up the drying time. Another tip is to sort clothes by thickness then dry in batches, so your machine is never more than half full. Overloading your dryer means wet clothes don’t get a chance to breathe, and it'll have to work harder for longer, using more energy.

Our fridges and freezers are always on, so it’s important to make sure they’re running as efficiently as possible.

Defrost your freezer regularly, as ice build-up makes it harder for your freezer to keep a steady temperature. And don’t push it flush into a corner or cubby hole. Leave a space of at least five centimetres on each side to allow heat to escape more easily.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your fridge is at least two-thirds full – less empty space means less air to cool. If your fridge is looking a little light, adding a few jugs of water will do the trick.

Individually, home electronics don't soak up too much power. But when combined, the energy use of TVs, games consoles and laptops can really add up.

Switch your TV to energy-saving mode or lower the brightness to 70% – an easy change you won’t even notice.

Turn items off at the plug, rather than leaving them on standby. And remember to unplug devices once they’re fully charged.

For a convenient way to make sure items are ‘off off’, try smart plugs like these from our friends at Hive. They let you control your gadgets at the socket via a tap on your phone.

From making a cuppa to rustling up a Sunday roast, kitchen electricals can really make a dent on your energy bills.

To save energy, make sure you're not overfilling the kettle with more water than you need. When you’re cooking, turn the oven off five minutes before your timer ends – the residual heat will keep everything cooking.

There's nothing quite like a hot shower to start or end the day. But did you know that a single shower uses more energy than boiling your kettle multiple times?

To reduce energy use, try to keep showers short. And if you live in a hardwater area, use a limescale remover every few months. A clogged-up showerhead will have to work harder than it needs to, wasting energy.

Air fryers are the latest kitchen trend, but did you know they're a great way to cook efficiently? Compared to a conventional oven, an air fryer can cook food quicker, using a lot less power. Take a look at our recipe blog to help you step up your air fryer cooking game.  

We know that air fryers are the energy-efficient way to cook quickly. But what if you want to slow cook a stew for a warming winter dinner? Look no further than the trusty slow cooker. They offer steady heat over a long period of time, without using much energy at all.

Microwaves use a lot less energy than a traditional oven. But they’re also much more efficient as they only heat the food itself, rather than wasting energy heating the surrounding air as well.

Thanks to their efficient energy transfer, induction hobs are a great way to cook without wasting energy. They also reduce overall energy consumption because they heat up so quickly.

Being energy-efficient doesn't mean living without a good dance in the kitchen while you're making dinner. But instead of streaming songs to your TV or smart speaker, tune in with a DAB radio. They use a lot less energy, and you might find a new favourite song too!