You can go around the house switching off lights and radiators, but there's not a lot you can do if your have power-hungry appliances.
While some modern machines might be regarded as unnecessary luxuries, there's no avoiding running the washing machine or fridge-freezer and footing the increased bill to use them.
Although consumers have been encouraged for a while now to look at running costs when buying appliances - admittedly mainly with an eye on eco credentials rather than cost - most people have not much bothered with the stats until it hits them in the pocket.
Read more: How your energy bill is calculated and why your standing charge has also gone up
And the new energy price cap - which increased on April 1 - is affecting those with inefficient appliances much harder than those with efficient ones.
Consumer group Which reckons the cost of running appliances is rising by £77 on average, but if your appliances are not brilliant at energy-efficiency, you will be paying around £138 more now each year.
The cost of running the most energy-hungry fridge-freezer, tumble dryer, washing machine and dishwasher has risen by £138 – from £414 to £552 per year, but in comparison, the price hike for more energy-efficient products is just £41, almost £100 less.
And Which's most-energy efficient washing machines are made right here, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Two Ebac models were praised by Which? for costing just over £25 a year to run - compared with £94.60 for the least efficient machine on test.
The news came as no surprise to Ebac's managing director Graeme McGregor, who said: "Ebac has always advocated economical everyday washing so are pleased to receive recognition from Which? for our energy-efficient washing performance. Our priority will always be to design and manufacture washing machines that deliver high performance in the areas that matter to real people and families - time, efficiency and consistent washing results."
The full results of the Which? tests are here:
Washing machine
Average extra cost to run per year after April 1: £15.83
Unlike many other appliances, energy and water use is critical in order for washing machines to do a good job. The results were based on running a 40C cotton wash four times a week, with a predicted machine lifespan of 16 years
Lowest annual running cost: £25.61.
Model: Ebac AWM86D2H and AWM74D2H
Purchase cost: £489
Lifetime cost: of £913 (over 16 years)
Highest annual running cost: £94.60
Model: Whirlpool W8W946WRUK
Purchase cost: £642
Lifetime cost: £2,156 (over 16 years)
Energy-saving tip: Avoid small loads. Fill your machine about 80% full and choose to wash at 30°C instead of 40°C to cut energy use by 38%. If your clothes aren’t stained, consider a 20°C wash which will use 62% less energy.
Fridge freezer
Average extra cost to run per year after April 1: £23.60
Fridge-freezers are the most expensive appliances to run. They’re on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Average extra cost to run per year after April 1:
Lowest annual running cost: £40.63
Model: LG GBB92MCBAP
Purchase cost: £1,500
Lifetime cost: £2,231 (over 18 years)
Highest annual running cost: £178.66
Model: Hotpoint FFU3D W 1 and FFU3D X 1.
Purchase cost: £500
Lifetime cost: £3,766 (over 18 years)
Energy-saving tip: Don’t overfill your fridge or you’ll stop air from circulating around the compartments and it will have to work harder to keep everything cold.
Tumble dryer
Average extra cost to run per year after April 1: £18.27
Tumble dryers can be the most energy-intensive appliance in your home. Running costs are based on drying a full load of cottons three times a week.
Lowest annual running cost: £38.04
Model: Miele TCB140 WP and TSB143 WP
Purchase cost: £799
Lifetime cost: £1,560 (over 20 years)
Highest annual running cost: £174.67
Model: Beko DTBC10001.
Purchase cost: £300
Lifetime cost: £3,701 (over 20 years)
Energy-saving tip: Try to keep tumble drying to a minimum, but also regularly clean the lint filter to help your dryer run as efficiently as possible.
Dishwasher
Average extra cost to run per year after April 1: £19.74
While our testing has shown that dishwashers can use less water than hand washing, their energy use remains high.
Lowest annual running cost: £60.51
Model: Hisense HS620D10WUK
Purchase cost: £349
Lifetime cost: Lifetime cost of £1,378 (over 17 years)
Highest annual running cost: £104.40
Model: Candy CYF 6F52LNW-80.
Purchase cost: £280
Lifetime cost: Lifetime cost of £2,055 (over 17 years)
Energy-saving tip: Only put your dishwasher on when it’s full and opt for the eco wash, it typically uses 30% less energy and water.
The report says: "Despite many efficient models costing more than inefficient ones upfront, they could pay for themselves in the savings in just a few years, and even end up costing thousands less over their lifetime. You don’t always have to fork out to get an efficient appliance, though.
"Our Eco Buys are those that do their job well while keeping energy and water use to a minimum. The cheapest Eco Buy fridge is just £343, while the cheapest freezer is £210. Eco Buy washing machines are available from £439 and tumble dryers from £450."
