Almost three quarters (72%) of Brits do not know which electrical appliances uses the most energy in their homes - with confusion meaning they could be missing out on small changes that could make bigger differences to energy bills.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults revealed only a quarter (28%) know that their oven is the biggest contributor to electricity bills. 1 in 7 (14%) believe broadband routers consume the most energy, despite them costing on average only £16.88 a year.
Despite appliance costing
The research, conducted by EDF, found that people use the microwave for 11 minutes a day at a monthly cost of £1.50, but the oven, which costs over 30 times more to run, is typically on for over two hours a day - at a cost of £47.12 a month.
Only 1 in 5 (22%) are opting to use their washing machine on a 30-degree cycle
Only 1 in 5 (22%) are opting to use their washing machine on a 30-degree cycle, despite experts advising this could use around 40% less electricity over a year than washing at higher temperatures. Airing clothes rather than using the tumble dryer could save an average household £50.83 a year, yet only a third (36%) are doing it and only a third (31%) only put on dishwasher loads when the machine is full, despite the appliance costing on average £112 a year.
Making bigger difference
Even household chores are proving costly - with Brits spending on average over an hour a week ironing, three hours vacuuming, an hour using the tumble dryer and nearly five hours using the dishwasher - at an average cost of £238 a year.
Despite 60% of Brits admitting to being more aware of their energy consumption compared to this time last year and more than 70% having cut the use of certain appliances in a bid to scale back energy use, it appears many are not making the small changes that could make a bigger difference to bills.
Energy efficient routines
Managing household energy usage is more important than ever at the moment"
Catherine Fowler, Energy Expert at EDF said: “Managing household energy usage is more important than ever at the moment, but it can be hard to make savings without first understanding where your biggest spend is."
"For instance, spending 10 minutes less using the oven will save considerably more than the same reduction in use of the microwave, so knowing which appliances use the most energy can help all of us make small changes to be more efficient.”
“Even the way we go about our household chores can have a large impact on bills in the long run, so thinking of ways to cut back or swap for more energy efficient routines can be a great first step. For example, switching from using the tumble dryer to an airer or only using the dishwasher when it is full can go a long way to reducing bills.”
Energy efficiency advice
Over half (52%) of the nation have either bought, or considered buying, new gadgets or appliances
Over half (52%) of the nation have either bought, or considered buying, new gadgets or appliances in the last 12 months to help make their home more energy efficient. These include LED light bulbs (33%), more energy efficient fridges or freezers (31%), air fryers (30%) and slow cookers (25%).
However, 59% admit to finding energy efficiency advice confusing and only 12% have installed a smart meter in the past 12 months to help manage energy efficiency.
Reduce energy consumption
Philippe Commaret, Managing Director for Customers at EDF commented: “At EDF, we’re committed to supporting our customers through the cost of living crisis and want to help them identify the best ways for them to reduce energy consumption in their homes. The good news is that installing a smart meter and using EDF’s Energy Hub can help customers understand where they are using the most energy, so that they can make small changes to daily routines that will really help reduce their bills.”
EDF has found that customers with a smart meter that use insights from their Energy Hub app online
EDF has found that customers with a smart meter that use insights from their Energy Hub app online, which gives them comparisons of their annual energy use alongside tips on how to reduce it throughout the home, can save up to £70 a year on their energy bills. EDF uses smart meter data to give customers a personalised view of their energy use via the Energy Hub, along with tailored tips on how to save money and where they might benefit from bigger changes, such as insulation.
Smart meter appointment
To encourage customers to take proactive action around their energy consumption, EDF is hosting a ‘super saver’ draw live now to 31st March 2023.
Customers who book a smart meter appointment or use EDF’s Energy Hub at least once a month if they have an existing smart meter will be in with the chance of winning £2,500. Appliance average electricity usage by UK households each day and average daily/monthly cost according to EDF analysis.
