The average costs of running household appliances will surge, a consumer group has warned, as people face huge spikes in their energy bills this winter. The energy price cap is due to rise 80% in October, after the regulator, Ofgem, said the average household’s yearly bill can be raised from £1,971 to £3,549.
However, consumer group Which? has suggested a number of tips to help households cope, including simple tricks with appliances that could make a difference:
Reduce washing machine costs
The average cost to run a washing machine yearly will rise from just over £63 to more than £117 under the new energy price cap. Which? suggests lowering costs by waiting until you can fill the machine to about 80% capacity, rather than repeatedly washing smaller loads.
Cut tumble dryer costs
Which?’s calculations found the cost of an average heat pump tumble dryer will increase from £56 to £104 a year, whereas condenser tumble dryers require more power, and the cost will jump up from £140 to £260 a year after the new price cap comes into force. The easiest way to save is to reconsider how you can dry laundry effectively, for example, hanging washing outside on a clothes line or on an airer.
Use your dishwasher properly to save money
The average annual running cost for a full-size dishwasher will rise from £83 to £153, and for a slimline model it will cost £136, up from £73. Which? suggests ensuring the dishwasher is not over or under filled, to wash full loads instead of running it for a few items and to run it on an eco-setting.
Fridge freezers
Average integrated fridge freezers currently cost around £73 a year to run and this will rise to £136 in October. However, American models cost between £84 and £120 to run, which will increase to £155 and £222 a year. To ensure your fridge freezer is running as efficiently as possible, Which? suggests cleaning the condenser coils on the back as dust on the coils can prevent the fridge from cooling properly.
Ovens
A built-in electric oven costs £66 a year to run which will rise to £122 following the price cap rise, while a single gas oven costs £20 and will rise to £43. It is possible to reduce costs by cooking larger amounts of food at a time and eating them as meals spread across the week.
Install central heating controls
Smart heating controls can cut your bills and improve your comfort by making better use of the heating energy you pay for. Which? estimates that a medium-sized household could save at least £100 a year by using smart controls and could cut a home’s carbon emissions by 320kg a year.
Find out if you could get energy grants
The Warm Home Discount is available to pensioners and those who get certain benefits. It is £140, but increasing to £150 in October 2022. Those born before September 26, 1955, can claim a Winter Fuel Payment of £100 to £300 every winter and energy companies also have their own hardship funds.
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