Did you know that leaving your appliances on standby each day could be costing you between £50 and £86 a year? This means roughly 16% of your annual electricity bill. But it it not just the cost of leaving your appliances on standby which could be costing you unnecessary money.
To help ensure your appliances aren’t costing you too much, it’s important to ensure you…
Think about Future Costs:
When it comes to purchasing a new appliance, whether it’s a vacuum cleaner, appliance or even a toaster, an overriding factor for many of us is the immediate cost. home appliances near me However, opting for a cheaper model may seem a more financially viable option at any given time, but can prove costly ultimately — particularly as cheaper models aren’t always the most energy efficient.
To help ensure you’re getting the best appliance for your needs and requirements, as well as the one which is affordable both in the here and now, as well as in the future it’s important that you consider the energy rating of the appliance you’re purchasing.
Current energy ratings for appliances1 range from A+++ through which A, and whilst A+++ is considered to be the most energy efficient rating, we appreciate such appliances can also have a bigger price tag and aren’t always a viable option. If this is the case for you, an A++, A+ or a rated appliance will also help to save you money ultimately.
Understand the cost of Your Appliances:
As handled on above, the immediate cost of your new appliance isn’t the only cost you need to consider. There’s also the ongoing cost whenever the appliance is used. Each appliance costs a different total run, depending on the kWh (kilowatt hour) usage.
It’s estimated the average fridge-freezer uses 427 kWh each year at a cost of £62 a year, a heater with an electric hob uses 317 kWh a year at a cost of £46, whilst an stove without a hob uses 290 kWh a year at a cost of £42. It’s also estimated the dyson costs as little as £2. 60 a year to run, due to using only 16 kWh a year.
Whilst the estimates give an indication as to how much an appliance cost to run, you can work out how much all your appliances cost to run by carrying out the following sum:
Wattage of Appliance x Number of Hours Used Each day x Number of Days Used in the year = Yearly KW Consumption
Yearly KW Consumption or 1000 x KW Rate = Cost A year to run Appliance
You’ll be able to find your KW Rate by checking your latest electricity bill.
Know how to Reduce the cost of Your Appliance:
Opting for the most energy efficient appliance will aid you to significantly reduce the cost of running said appliance each year, as will switching off the appliances (where possible) when they’re not being used. But there are other steps which we recommend too, including:
1. Switch Appliances — if you’re cooking vegetables, instead of cooking them on your hob cook them in a more energy efficient manner such as in a machine, which is asked only cost £7. 60 a year to run. When generating make instead of using the toaster which costs more to run, pick the grill — not only is this cheaper, but it also gives you greater control over how much you brown the bread.
2. Clean Your Appliances — by keeping your appliances clean, you’ll assist in keeping them working at their optimum performance as they won’t be hindered by dirt which can build up in multiple crevices and around components, etc. Keeping your appliances clean will also significantly reduce the risk of faults occurring.
3. Fix Faults — even the tiniest fault with your appliances can have a significant affect the performance of the appliance and end up costing you on your utility bills, due to the appliance having to work harder to reach its optimum performance. Keep your appliances accommodating their full potential by carrying out any required repair yourself at home.
4. Age Matters — you may be surprised to know the average life expectancy of your household appliances is longer than you’d think. For example, a chiller and fridge freezer should last between 15 and 19 years, whilst a dishwasher should be working after 11 years. But with regular maintenance you can ensure yours last longer.
Keeping these four aspects in mind can help to ensure your appliances aren’t costing you excess amount.