The top 5 appliances hiking up your energy bills and how to use them more efficiently

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Learning how to reduce energy bills has never been more crucial than it is now, with the cost of living crisis set to continue According to an expert, there are some household "offenders" that can increase your energy bill, from leaving appliances on standby to overusing them.Chris Madikian, an electrical expert at The Local Electrician, has identified the five "key offenders" likely causing the "most significant spikes in your energy bill".

He also provides tips on how to lessen their costly impact, helping households save money as we enter the New Year. The top household offender, according to the expert, is the washer-dryer, which costs around £104.13 per year to run, reports The Express.The expert said: "These appliances account for approximately 12 per cent of a typical energy bill, making them among the most energy-hungry in any household.

The high usage of water and electricity required to heat it, combined with lengthy cycles, makes these appliances expensive to operate."Opt for cold-water washes, run full loads, use heated clothes airers and, if possible, air-dry clothes to significantly cut down on energy consumption."Tumble dryers, essential for colder months, contribute around 11% to the typical energy bill due to the power required to dry clothes properly.

Consider using heated clothes airers or dehumidifiers instead as a tumble dryer could cost just under £100 per year to run.The expert said: "A chest freezer operates continuously and uses a significant amount of energy to maintain a steady temperature, accounting for eight percent of an average household's energy expenditure.