Overfilling the kettle, not stocking the fridge and freezer to the optimum capacity and buying bigger kitchen appliances than necessary were the most common pitfalls identified by the firm. Here are some tips for using your kitchen appliances optimally, and reducing your energy bills in the process.

Kettles

Nearly 50% of people boil more water than they need when using the kettle on a regular basis, according to the survey.

If you only make one coffee or tea at a time, make sure you look for a kettle with a low minimum fill line – some make you boil more than you need, which means you’ll waste energy and money.

Dishwashers

To not waste energy it is best to run your dishwasher only when it is full, but not overloaded, something one in five people surveyed do not do.

Using eco or energy-save programs can also save about 20% on energy a year compared with using the main program.

It is also important to buy an energy-efficient dishwasher. Some inefficient models can cost over £70 to run annually, while the most efficient cost £30.

Fridge freezers

To keep running costs down, ensure your fridge and freezer are at least three-quarters full whenever possible, so they cool food rather than air.

If you are looking to buy a new fridge freezer then make sure you get one you will be able to fill it. Manufacturers state the capacity for each model, but this is measured with all the drawers, shelves and racks taken out.

Energy efficient appliances

Three-quarters of those asked did not factor in energy efficiency when shopping for kitchen appliances.

It is important to know exactly how much it is going to cost you to power your new appliances, especially when we’ve found big difference between good and bad models.

As with dishwashers, there is a significant disparity in running costs between efficient and non-efficient fridge freezers, the most efficient costing £25 per year to run, the least £87.

[article_related_posts]