Energy bills continue to strain household budgets across Britain, with experts warning about the most power-hungry appliances driving up costs.
The warnings come as the current Ofgem price cap stands at £1,717 for the average home, following a sharp 10 per cent rise in October.
While Cornwall Insight forecasts a slight decrease to £1,697 in early 2025, energy supplier EDF presents a more concerning outlook, predicting bills could rise to £1,736.
With energy costs remaining stubbornly high, understanding which appliances consume the most power could be crucial for household expenses.
Energy experts from Grant Store have uncovered “the most expensive appliances draining your wallet without you knowing”.
They explain that tumble dryers rank among the biggest energy consumers in British homes, particularly during colder months when air-drying becomes less practical.
Internal air conditioning systems can also substantially impact bills
PA
Refrigerators and freezers follow closely behind, with their continuous operation making them significant contributors to household energy costs.
Internal air conditioning systems can also substantially impact bills, especially when not properly maintained.
These power-hungry appliances can dramatically increase energy consumption, with their impact becoming even more noticeable as prices remain elevated above pre-crisis levels.
Regular use of these appliances, particularly tumble dryers during winter months, can lead to considerable increases in monthly bills.
The experts recommend several practical steps to reduce the energy consumption of these costly appliances.
For tumble dryers, they said: “A good way to reduce this expense is to air-dry clothes when possible or run the dryer with larger loads rather than smaller, frequent ones.
“Even simple tricks, like adding a dry towel to the load, can help absorb moisture and speed up drying times, cutting down on energy use.”
With fridges and freezers, avoiding unnecessarily cold temperature settings is key. They claimed: “Organising the contents efficiently can make a difference, as this helps maintain consistent temperatures, reduces strain on the appliance, and can even extend the freshness of your food, minimising waste
For air conditioning systems, regular servicing and maintenance are essential to saving money. Another key tip to consider is adjusting the thermostat settings.
The experts said: “Homeowners should also consider adjusting their thermostat settings, particularly during the night, to save energy.
“If you hear unusual noises or notice inconsistent cooling, it’s best to consult a professional sooner rather than later to avoid more costly repairs or inefficient energy use.”
Stoves and Ovens use up energy very quickly so it is worth considering opting for smaller appliances like air fryers or microwaves for quick meals can save a significant amount of energy.
The experts explained that using appropriately sized pots and ensuring the oven door seals are intact helps reduce heat loss, making your cooking more energy-efficient and reducing the pressure on your bills.”
Looking ahead to 2025, energy experts remain divided on price predictions.Cornwall Insight’s latest forecast suggests a modest decrease in the price cap to £1,697 for January to March 2025, representing a one per cent fall from current levels.
However, EDF presents a contrasting view, projecting a rise to £1,736 – a £19 increase from today’s cap.
Craig Lowrey from Cornwall Insight warns: “January to March, typically some of the coldest months of the year, often bring with them the biggest energy bills, and – while our latest forecast is welcome news – it remains subject to the volatile wholesale gas and electricity markets.”