Consumer watchdog Which? has revealed how much household appliances will cost to run on average when the new energy price cap comes into effect this October.
Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that annual bills will soar by 80 per cent starting October 1. It has stated that unit rates for electricity will increase from 28p per kWh to 52p.
In response to the news, households across Scotland and the UK are looking for ways to cut back on costs in order to make it through the winter.
READ MORE — Mum gobsmacked after neighbour takes photos of her home and posts them on Instagram
To help consumers save as much money as possible, Which? has revealed how much the running cost of everyday household appliances such as washing machines and ovens is expected to increase from October.
It has shared tips to maximise energy efficiency on its website. Here is a summary of everything you need to know.
Washing machine
According to Which?, the average annual cost of running a washing machine will almost double after the new price cap comes into effect. The consumer champion states that the price will soar from £63 to £117.
It collected the data by using all of the average running costs of the washing machines it has reviewed on its website and took the average number of uses as 208 per year — four times a week.
Which? also gave advice on how to lower the cost of running a washing machine, including:
- Wait until you have a large load to wash rather than washing a high number of small loads
- Wash your clothes at 30 or even 20 degrees Celsius unless they are stained
- Invest in an energy-efficient washing machine
Tumble dryer
The consumer watchdog states that, on average, the yearly price of using a heat pump tumble dryer will rise from £56 to £104 starting in October. The cost will be even higher for those who have a condenser tumble dryer — soaring from £140 to £260.
These figures are based on the assumption that the tumble dryer will be run using the cotton cupboard-dry program three times a week. The exact cost will depend on your machine and usage.
According to Which, some ways in which you could reduce the cost of running a tumblr dryer include:
- Dry clothes outside or on a clothes horse if possible — though keep windows open and watch out for mould
- A heated clothes horse uses energy but is cheaper to run than a tumble dryer
- Clean the lint filters on your tumble dryer before every use to maximise efficiency
Dishwasher
From October 1, the average yearly cost of running a dishwasher is set to increase from £83 to £153. For those with a slimline dishwasher, the price will rise from £73 to £136.
According to Which?, this is based on the assumption that the dishwasher is used five times per week throughout the year.
Some ways in which you could save on the yearly cost of running your dishwasher include:
- Only use your dishwasher when you have a full load to wash
- Don't overload your dishwasher as this will mean some items do not get washed properly
- Ensure you are using the appropriate setting on your dishwasher for the items you are washing
Fridge freezer
According to the watchdog, while fridge freezers and considerably more energy-efficient than they used to be, they are still not cheap to run.
The average yearly cost of an integrated fridge freezer is set to rise from £73 to £136, while a freestanding model will go up from £84 to £155. Meanwhile, the annual price of running an American-style fridge freezer will soar from £120 to £222.
Which? has advised consumers not to switch their fridge freezers off to try and save money, as this will end up using more energy when it is turned back on. Additionally, it could result in food poisoning.
Tips to save money include:
- Cleaning the appliance's condenser coils if you have access to them
- Replacing damaged door seals
- Allowing leftovers to cool down naturally before refrigerating them
- Defrosting your freezer on a regular basis
- Not leaving the door open
Oven
Which? has advised consumers to look into investing in an energy-efficient oven, as the yearly cost of running the appliance will depend highly on your type of model.
Currently, the average annual cost of running a double electric oven is £64, a double gas oven is £25, a single electric oven is £66, and a single gas oven is £20.
From October, these costs will rise to £118 for a double electric oven, £54 for a double gas oven, £122 for a single electric oven, and £43 for a single gas oven.
Tips to maximise efficiency include:
- Bulk cooking rather than using the oven repeatedly for separate meals
- Defrosting food in the fridge before placing it in the oven
- Consider investing in an air fryer or combi microwave for smaller meals
READ MORE —
- Edinburgh property: Inside the 8 bedroom home on the market for £2.6 million
- Strictly Come Dancing's Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton expecting first baby
- Mum slams neighbour for 'demanding money' from her son after accident
- Edinburgh school nominated for 'Best Public School' in prestigious UK awards
- Octopus Energy unveils 'turning point' that could save millions £840 on bills
