With the cost of living crisis putting pressure on millions of UK households, powering down the most energy-draining appliances could be the best way to save hundreds of pounds.
The use of certain appliances every day can't be avoided. However, some of the most-used devices could be consuming large amounts of energy and adding to your bills.
Not all the appliances you use take up the same amount of energy, so working which ones are using the most energy is the first step to cut your energy bills.
Here are four of the most energy-hungry household appliances, how much they cost you and how to avoid using them.
Tumble dryer
Throwing your clothes into the tumble dryer might be a convenient way to dry your clothes. However, the tumble dryer is actually one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home.
A nine kilogram dryer uses an average of 5.132kWh of energy per cycle. So with a single kWh costing 0.28p under the current price cap, it means each cycle would cost you £1.43.
This means if you use your dryer around three times a week, it could add up to a hefty £223 a year.
There are some ways to avoid constant use of the tumble dryer. During the summer months, one easy alternative is to simply dry your clothes outside.
Another tip would be to invest in a heated airdryer, which cost as little as £30 to run.
If you do prefer using the dryer, one simple trick is to reduce the cycle time by half. You can put a towel in with your load to soak up the moisture more quickly.
One more way to use your dryer without costing too much is putting clothes on a spin and drain cycle in the washing machine first to get rid of excess water, before throwing in the dryer.
Washing machine
Washing machines use 3.15kWh of energy per 90-minute cycle, according to Uswitch.
Each cycle costs 88p so if you use it three times a week, then it can add up to £137.28 a year.
One simple way to reduce the use of your washing machine is to run the machine only when you have a full load, which will then help halve your costs.
Another tip is to turn the temperature down. Shifting from 40 degree to 30 degree washes can cut £12 a year off your bill according to Energy Saving Trust.
Further, using your machine on an eco-setting will save you another £10. And for those on Economy 7 tariff, using your machine at night will mean you're charged a lower rate for electricity.
Dishwasher
Putting your dishwashers on for a two-hour cycle will use 2.55kWh of electricity, costing 71p per use or £110.76 a year if used three times a week.
Similar to the washing machine, it's best to wait to use your dishwasher until you have a full load. Try to wash by hand if you only have a few dishes.
When you wash by hand, making sure you don't fill the sink or leave the tap running are also ways to reduce your water bills from going up.
Electric shower
Everyone loves a hot, relaxing shower. But a long shower could be adding to your energy bills.
According to Uswitch, a 10-minute shower uses 1.42kWh of electricity cosy 40p each time and an annual cost of £142 if you use it every day.
Cutting your shower length from 10 to eight minutes can help cut £30 from your annual bills. Similarly, turning down the temperature will reduce amount of energy used to heat up water.
Other tips if possible include using an eco-shower or switching to a water meter. Some water companies also give out freebies that can help with your bills - so it's worth looking into this as well.
