Keeping energy bills low can be tricky in the winter months as the heating and lights have to be switched on much more often.
Because of this, people need to find ways to cut down costs without actually cutting down their consumption. From money-back schemes to fiddling with the boiler settings, there are a number of ways to reduce bills without having to sit in the cold and dark.
One other switch which consumers may have to consider is a new appliance. Using older models of fridges and washing machines could waste around £300 of energy per year, according to Bionic.
Whitegoods like fridges and washing machines aren't cheap, so you have to weigh up whether it would be worthwhile. However, if you have the cash available, upgrading to a newer, more energy efficient device may be better for you in the long run.
While many of us will avoid the thought of replacing them until they break down, it's worth keeping an appliance's life span in mind so that you know when it needs to be replaced.
| Appliance | Average Life Span |
| Fridge/Freezer | 10-20 years |
| Washing machine | 10-13 years |
| Tumble dryer | 10-15 years |
| Dishwasher | 10 years |
| Boiler | 10-15 years |
Newer models are made to be more energy efficient, and come with energy efficiency ratings so that you can tell whether or not it will help you save on bills.
Another thing that is worth considering is that older appliances may have faults which impact their efficiency that aren’t necessarily visible.
For example, a fridge’s rubber seal that keeps the fridge cold could have a slight tear which means the appliance is having to work harder to keep the temperature low and therefore use more energy.
Les Roberts, business comparison expert at Bionic, added: "An effective energy-saving tip is to look at the appliances you use most, like fridges, washing machines and boilers, and consider their age and condition.
"If you’re not sure how long you’ve had them, it’s worth digging out receipts or bank statements to check.
"If your appliance has gone over the average lifespan of the product, it may be worth considering upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.
"Although it’ll come with an initial cost, it should ultimately save you money in the long run."
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