Household Appliances

Typical Running Costs of Household Appliances

This means that if you had the average (not even the worst available) efficiency appliances above it would cost you £210 per year - whereas if you had the most energy efficient appliances available it would cost you only £90 a year - a hidden saving of £120 a year.

Please note that these are typical running costs compiled by an external agency based on the average family in a 3 bed semi detached property. Due to the variety of housing in South Yorkshire, household sizes, and the time spent in the property, any running costs can vary greatly from household to household. We do not suggest using this as a definitive guide but as a reference point only.

Energy Saving Lighting

Low energy light bulbs are becoming popular, and can be found in most DIY shops. Although they cost more to buy than conventional bulbs, they use approximately a quarter of the electricity for the same amount of light.

You could save £37 over the life of one energy saving lamp.

Typically, energy saving bulbs can save £6-£8 per lightbulb per year. If you add the amount of lightbulbs used in your household this can amount to noticeable savings.

Appliance tips:

• Look out for the energy saving recommended logo. This must be displayed on all new products. 'A' is the most energy efficient product, usually slightly more costly but it will save you money in the long run.
  
• Switch off our televisions at the set rather than leaving them on standby.
  
• Regularly defrost your fridge and freezer - keep doors closed when not in use - put them in the coolest place possible - they use more electricity when next to cookers or heaters.   
  
• Turn off electric appliances when not in use, this applies to all phone and MP3 or other chargers you may use, dvd players, computers and laptops, games consoles etc.        
  
• Turn lights off when you leave a room.
  
• Sometimes boiling the kettle when you need hot water for cooking can be quicker and cheaper than heating a pan of hot water on the hob.      
  
• 'Power down plugs' or 'intelligent plugs' may be available from your local utility provider. These plugs recognise when the main source of power (such as a television) is turned off. It then turns off all associated items (ie, games console, dvd player) at the same time. Please read the manufacturer's instructions before using.