Living in London comes with its fair share of expenses, and for many households, electricity bills are a major concern. Even when you’re careful with your usage, some appliances in your home may be quietly using more power than you think. Understanding which appliances are the biggest energy consumers can help you make smarter choices and reduce your monthly electric bill. If you’re unsure about the overall condition of your electrical system, obtaining an EICR Certificate London can provide valuable insights. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five appliances that are likely driving up your electricity costs in London homes.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Why they consume so much energy
In the UK, where winters can be cold and damp, electric heaters are often used in homes that don’t have central heating systems or in rooms that need extra warmth. Portable electric heaters, underfloor heating, and electric radiators can be very energy-intensive. Similarly, during rare but hot summer days in London, fans or portable air conditioners might be used, which also draw a considerable amount of electricity.
How to manage their energy use
Try to limit your use of electric heating by dressing warmly indoors and using blankets. For cooling, use fans with timers rather than leaving them on all day. Regularly servicing your heating and cooling devices also ensures they work efficiently and use less power.
Electric Showers
Why they’re surprisingly expensive
Electric showers are commonly found in London flats and homes. These showers heat water on demand using high-powered heating elements. This means that every time you take a hot shower, your electric meter is spinning quickly. A typical electric shower can use between 7.5 to 10.5 kilowatts, and if used for just 10 minutes daily, it can significantly increase your monthly bill.
How to cut costs
Keep showers short and avoid long hot showers, especially in households with multiple family members. Consider switching to thermostatic mixer showers that work with a gas boiler if that option is available in your home.
Tumble Dryers
Why they use so much power
Tumble dryers are incredibly convenient, especially in a rainy city like London where outdoor drying is often not possible. However, they are also one of the most power-hungry appliances in the home. They use a heating element to dry clothes, which requires a lot of electricity. Some older models can use over 4 kilowatt-hours per load.
Energy-saving tips
Air-dry your clothes whenever possible using indoor drying racks. If you must use a dryer, choose a modern energy-efficient heat pump model. Also, clean the lint filter after every use to keep it running efficiently.
Fridges and Freezers
Constant use means constant consumption
Fridges and freezers are essential in every home and they run 24/7. While modern models are much more efficient than older ones, they can still be a hidden drain on your electricity bill if they are outdated or not maintained properly. Frost build-up, poor seals, and placing the fridge in a warm location can make it work harder than necessary.
How to keep them efficient
Defrost your freezer regularly and ensure your fridge isn’t overstuffed, so air can circulate properly. Make sure door seals are tight and replace any faulty ones. Position your fridge away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight to help it operate more efficiently.
Washing Machines
The hidden cost of frequent washing
Washing machines are another appliance that can drive up your electricity costs, especially when used frequently. Hot water cycles use more energy, and larger load sizes can also increase the amount of electricity used per wash. While each wash may not seem expensive on its own, daily usage quickly adds up.
Smart ways to reduce power use
Wash clothes in cold water when possible and try to wait until you have a full load before doing laundry. Using eco-friendly or energy-saving wash settings can also help reduce electricity use over time. Additionally, avoid washing clothes more often than necessary to cut back on usage.
Conclusion
Electric bills can be frustrating, especially when they keep creeping up despite your efforts to save. The truth is, many of the most used appliances in your London home are the main contributors to high energy costs. Heating and cooling systems, electric showers, tumble dryers, fridges and freezers, and washing machines all play a big role in your electricity usage.
By identifying these high-energy appliances and adopting better habits or upgrading to more energy-efficient models, you can take control of your electric bill. Simple steps like shorter showers, air-drying clothes, or washing with cold water might not seem like much, but they add up to noticeable savings over time.
Being aware of what’s driving your energy costs is the first step towards smarter, more efficient home living. If you take the time to make small changes now, your future bills will thank you.If you want to stay updated with posts like this, please follow us on Spero Magazine.
