• Energy saving grants & offers
• Energy saving tips
• Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre

General Energy Saving Tips

• Close curtains when it gets dark to keep the heat in. Don't let the curtains hang over the radiators
• Fit a jacket on the hot water cylinder and insulate the water pipes
• Install loft insulation that is at least 270mm deep. This can save around 20% off your heating costs.
• For more hot tips on home heating click here.

Electricity usage in a typical house:

Appliance running costs

Below are the average costs of running appliances. These costs depend on their function and efficiency. Costs listed below are based on a unit cost of 15.06p per unit of electricity (Home Energy Tariff) PLUS 5% VAT(= 15.81p per unit ).

GENERAL APPLIANCES	POWER RATING (watts)	COST TO RUN FOR ONE HOUR (pence*)
Computer console	171	3p
Standard Television-36”	87	2p
TV-LCD, rear projection-52”	174	3p
TV-Plasma-50” High Definition	357	6p
Video Recorder	60	1p
Printer, Laser Jet	576	10p
Stereo	140	2p
Kettle	1,500	24p
Toaster	900	14p
Iron	1,100	17p
Computer & Monitor	100 – 200	2p – 3p
Shower	4000 - 7000	63p – £1.10
Towel Rail	90-200	1p – 3p
Hair Drier	300W-1875W	5p – 30p
Hair Curler	350W	6p
Electric Blankets	400	6p
Extractor Fan	115	2p
Vacuum Cleaner	780	12p
HEATING, COOKING	POWER RATING (watts)	COST TO RUN FOR ONE HOUR (pence*)
3 bar Electric Fire	3000	47p
1 bar Electric Fire	1200	19p
Panel Convector	750 to 3000	13p – 47p
Portable Convector	2000 to 3000	32p – 47p
Fuel Effect Convector	2800	44p
Oil Filled Radiator	500 to 2000	8p – 32p
Fan Heater	2000 to 3000	32p - 47p
Coffee Maker	900	14p
Immersion Heater	3000	47p
Cooker – 1 ring	1400	22p
– Microwave Oven	1500	24p
– Oven & rings	11500	£1.82
WHITE GOODS	POWER RATING (watts)	COST TO RUN FOR ONE HOUR (pence*)
Washing Machine	1150 – 2200	18p - 35p
Refrigerator	600	9p
Freezer	800	13p
Spin Drier	250	4p
Dish Washer	2250	36p
Microwave	600 to 800	9p – 13p
Clothes Drier	4900	77p
LIGHTING	POWER RATING (watts)	COST TO RUN FOR 24 HOURS (pence*)
4Light Bulbs	40 to 150	15p - 57p
Energy Saving Light Bulb	11 to 20	4p – 8p
Strip Light	20 to 65	8p – 25p

* Cost to run an appliance has been rounded to the nearest whole number

The typical standby costs of appliances in the home are:

Below is a list of the typical standby costs for appliances in the home. Costs are based on average wattage and the appliance being left on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cost per unit of electricity used in these calculations is based on the current Home Energy tariff.

Appliance	Estimated average standby power (W)	Energy consumption (kWh per year)	Cost (£ per year)
Dishwasher	0.2	1.8	£0.28
Washing machine	0.5	4.4	£0.70
Gas hob	0.2	1.8	£0.28
Electric oven	3.0	26.3	£4.16
Microwave	2.3	20.1	£3.18
DVD player	1.9	16.6	£2.62
Freeview set-top box	6.4	56.1	£8.87
LCD TV (main TV e.g. in living room)	2.7	23.7	£3.75
CRT (secondary TV, e.g. in kitchen)	2.6	22.8	£3.60
Games console	2.03	17.8	£2.81
Desktop PC	3.4	29.8	£4.71
Laptop	1.3	11.4	£1.80
LCD PC monitor	1.1	9.6	£1.52
Inkjet printer	1.5	13.1	£2.07
Laser printer	14.2	124.4	£19.67

 

Appliance Energy Saving Tips

• Energy labels on appliances show how efficient they are. For example 'E' rated appliances cost around £35 a year more to run than 'A' rated ones.
• Don't leave fridge doors lying open, as the cold air will escape quickly.
• Energy saving light bulbs use 80% less electricity and last 10 times longer. Find out more by clicking here.
• For more information on energy saving light bulbs and advice on how to dispose of them correctly click here.
• Where possible use the energy saving cycles on washing machines, tumble dryers etc.
• Don't leave things on standby - leaving all sorts of electrical equipment on standby such as microwaves, TV, mobile phone charger etc can use up to £100 worth of electricity a year.

To get a free, personalised home energy report on how you can save energy in your home, please telephone the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre at 0800 512 012 or click here for an online home energy check.