UK householders urged to tackle five 'biggest culprits' pushing up energy bills

A woman looking in the fridge in her kitchen
-Credit:Shared Content Unit


Energy bills are spiking in the colder weather and shorter days at the start of 2025, with the change in tariffs also having an impact after the Ofgem price cap went up on January 1. The average annual household gas and electricity bill now stands at £1,738 and this is expected to go up again in April.

While thousands of low-income families will be getting £25 Cold Weather Payments triggered by recent spells of subzero weather and others qualify for a Warm Home Discount or Winter Fuel Payment to help with costs, the majority of households will be worrying about how long they are having their central heating on and how much their next bill will be.

As a result, many people are looking for ways to cut back on their bills. But experts say very few people are aware of the biggest culprits when it comes to energy consumption in the home. Five appliances have been identified as the main offenders and there is action you can take straight away to reduce their impact on what you pay.

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Gordon Wallis, an energy expert from Your NRG, has named the top five household appliances that can heavily impact your budget and offered advice on actions you can take to save money. He says: " Energy efficiency is about small, consistent changes that add up."

1. Tumble dryers

Mr Wallis said: "Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. A single cycle can use as much energy as several other appliances combined. To save money, consider air-drying your clothes whenever possible or using your dryer's energy-saving settings."

With an average cycle consuming around 4.5 kWh, tumble dryers are a luxury that can quickly add up. By reducing usage and relying on natural drying methods, where possible, households can significantly cut costs.

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2. Dishwashers

Dishwashers might seem convenient, but they can contribute to high electricity bills if used inefficiently. Mr Wallis explains: "Dishwashers can quickly add to your energy costs if used inefficiently. Running the dishwasher only when it’s full and selecting energy-efficient modes can make a noticeable difference to your monthly bills."

Each cycle uses about 3.6 kWh, so mindful usage and energy-saving settings are key to reducing their impact.

3. Fridge freezers

Fridge freezers are a household necessity for storing and preserving food, so they can't just be switched off, but they're also one of the biggest continuous energy users in any home. "While fridge freezers are essential, they’re always on, making them a constant energy drain. Simple habits like defrosting regularly and keeping the door closed can reduce their impact on your bills," he said.

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On average, a fridge-freezer consumes 1.9 kWh daily. Regular maintenance and smart practices can help optimise energy efficiency.

4. Washing machines

Washing machines are another appliance that can significantly influence your energy usage, particularly if you frequently run small loads or use hot water cycles. According to Mr Wallis: "Washing machines are another high-energy appliance, particularly if you’re using hot water cycles or frequent small loads. Switching to eco settings and washing at lower temperatures can significantly lower energy consumption without compromising cleanliness."

A standard cycle uses around 2.1 kWh, so adjusting habits like washing in full loads and avoiding pre-wash cycles can make a big difference.

5. Ovens

Ovens are often overlooked when it comes to energy consumption, but their frequent use can be costly. Mr Wallis advises:"Ovens can be a hidden energy culprit, especially if preheated unnecessarily or left on longer than needed. Using alternatives like air fryers or microwaves for smaller meals, or batch cooking when using the oven, can lead to substantial savings."

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Electric ovens use about 0.87 kWh per hour, while gas ovens consume around 1.5 kWh. Choosing smaller, more energy-efficient appliances for simple tasks can help cut expenses.

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