Tips for Saving Energy in Your Home
If you’re a homeowner or tenant, keeping your energy bills under control is more important than ever. At Donald Ross Estate Agents, we know how small savings can make a big difference - especially when managing household budgets or preparing your home for sale or rent.
Heating accounts for around 40% of a typical UK household’s energy bill, but many everyday appliances also contribute significantly to your overall costs. Understanding which ones use the most energy can help you reduce waste, lower bills, and improve the energy efficiency of your home - something that’s increasingly important in today’s property market.
Top Energy-Consuming Home Appliances
According to the Energy Saving Trust, appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers account for 14% of your energy bill. Fridges and freezers make up around 13%, while electronics like TVs and laptops contribute about 6%. Here’s a breakdown of which appliances cost the most to run and how to use them more efficiently.
High Energy Usage: Appliances Adding the Most to Your Energy Bill
Electric Shower – £2.20/hour
One of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, electric showers can cost around £315 a year with average use.
Energy Saving Tip: Cut your shower time to 4 minutes. Set a timer or find a song that’s 4 minutes long to listen to and have a sing-a-long in the shower.
Electric Oven – £1.10 per use
Daily use of an electric oven could cost over £400 annually.
Energy Saving Tip: Batch cook meals and reheat with a microwave or air fryer to save energy.
Air Fryer – £0.68 per use
More efficient than ovens, air fryers still add up to around £250 a year if used daily.
Energy Saving Tip: Great for smaller meals, they save time and energy compared to ovens.
Portable Heater – £0.49/hour
Convenient but costly, these can add nearly £240 a year to your bill.
Energy Saving Tip: Draught-proofing and insulation reduce the need for extra heating.
Hair Dryer – £0.49/hour
Though used in short bursts, hair dryers cost around £60 annually.
Energy Saving Tip: Air dry your hair when possible, or use a cooler setting to cut energy use.
Medium Energy Usage: Appliances That Still Add Up
Tumble dryers, irons, toasters and coffee machines all fall into the mid-range for energy use. For example, a tumble dryer, used for around 390 hours per year, can cost up to £130 annually. If you can dry clothes naturally, even some of the time, you could save a significant amount.
Dishwashers cost around £60 per year to run and can be more efficient than washing by hand, especially if you use eco settings and only run full loads. Washing machines also perform well in terms of efficiency, costing about £38 per year for the average home, thanks to modern energy-saving technology.
Cooking on the hob is much cheaper than using the oven, whether you’re using gas or electric. If you’re preparing smaller meals, microwaves and air fryers are usually the most cost-effective options.
Low Energy Usage: Budget-Friendly Appliances
Some appliances, like electric blankets, are used for long periods, often thousands of hours during colder months, but still cost relatively little. Electric blankets typically cost less than £90 per year to run, which is far cheaper than heating an entire room with a space heater.
Microwaves are another energy-saving winner, costing only around 4p per use. For busy families or individuals who regularly reheat meals or prepare quick dishes, the savings can quickly stack up.
Other low-cost devices include your TV, internet router, smart speakers, computers, and games consoles. While many of these run for hundreds or even thousands of hours each year, their overall cost is usually modest—especially if you make energy-conscious choices when buying them. For example, choosing a smaller TV or a better energy rating could save both money and emissions.
Smart Ways to Reduce Energy Costs
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
When buying new appliances, check the energy rating. Choosing A-rated appliances can save you hundreds over their lifespan. For example, an A-rated fridge-freezer could save you £360 and cut 420kg of CO₂ emissions over 17 years.
- Use Appliances Smarter
- Wash at lower temperatures
- Don’t overfill the kettle
- Use eco settings
- Turn off devices at the wall
- Replace halogen with LED bulbs
- Keep fridge at 3–5°C, and freezers at -18°C
- Be Mindful of Seasonal Usage
Electric blankets and heaters in winter, or fans in summer, can quietly drive up bills. Monitor seasonal appliance use and adjust accordingly.
- Think Tech-Savvy
TVs and gaming setups are on more than you think. Remember: a 55″ TV uses significantly less energy than a 65″, and laptops consume 85% less energy than desktops.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in the Property Market
Improving your home’s energy performance can not only save you money—it can boost the value of your home. Energy-efficient homes are increasingly in demand across Ayrshire.
If you're selling, landlords and buyers alike are paying close attention to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Making small changes today could mean a higher selling price tomorrow.
