The appliances we use in our homes have a significant impact on our energy usage and ultimately, our energy bill.

From household to kitchen appliances, the types of household appliances we choose can greatly affect the energy in our homes. 

The efficiency of the appliances you bring into your home plays a critical role in determining the overall energy consumption of the household, as with necessity the energy draining appliances such as the washing machine or hair dryer, many homeowners are opting for energy-efficient appliances that can help reduce their carbon footprint while also saving money on their utility bills.

When considering appliances, the two primary types are electrical and gas. Gas appliances typically use less energy compared to their electrical counterparts. However, in areas where natural gas is not readily available, electrical appliances become the primary option. Choosing energy-efficient electrical appliances can significantly reduce the energy usage of a home.

The energy used in a home is also highly dependent on the type of appliance and its age. For instance, older refrigerators and freezers consume more energy than newer models. As technology has advanced, manufacturers have been able to develop more efficient appliances that consume less each day, even when left on standby. Energy Star certified appliances have been rated as highly efficient and can consume up to 30% less energy than their standard counterparts.

Moreover, the frequency and duration of appliance usage also contribute to the energy consumption in a home. Homeowners should take a proactive approach to minimize the use of appliances when they are not necessary. Simple changes, such as running full loads of laundry or dishes in a dishwasher, can help reduce the frequency of usage and minimize overall energy consumption.

Appliances around your home and their energy-efficient counterparts

Kitchen appliances are an essential part of our daily lives, from cooking meals to storing food. However, they can also be a significant source of energy consumption in the home. According to the US Department of Energy, kitchen appliances account for about 10% to 15% of the total energy usage in the average American home. This figure can vary depending on the size of the household and the types of appliances used.

The largest energy-consuming appliances in the kitchen are refrigerators and freezers, accounting for approximately 7% of total household energy use. These appliances run constantly, so it’s important to prioritize models models that show energy efficiency, as this can help reduce how much energy is used. An Energy Star certified refrigerator can consume up to 40% less energy than standard models, which can result in significant savings on your energy bill.

Cooking appliances, such as ovens and stovetops, also contribute to the overall use around the kitchen. Electric ovens typically use more energy than gas ovens, but both can be energy saving if used correctly. It’s important to use the right size cookware and to match the size of the burner to the pot or pan being used. This can help reduce energy loss and improve cooking efficiency.

Kettle

The kettle is an essential home appliance as many wouldn’t go without their coffee or tea’s, but what does it cost to run multiple times a day? The energy costs spent on this device can vary depending on its age and efficiency, with older versions tending to consume more energy compared to newer models due to advancements in technology.

On average, an older kettle can consume up to 2,400 watts of energy to boil water, while newer energy efficient models like this one can consume as little as 800 watts, ranked in energy efficiency band A. This means that a newer energy-efficient appliances like kettles can consume up to 66% less energy than an older model. The amount of energy consumed also depends on the amount of water being boiled, with larger quantities consuming more energy.

One factor that affects the energy consumption of appliances like these is the type of heating element used. Older kettles may have a heating coil that runs around the base of the kettle, while newer models often have a flat or conical element that is more energy-efficient. This design allows for more efficient heat transfer and can help reduce energy consumption.

Air fryer

The average energy use of an air fryer in a UK household will depend on several factors, such as the size of the appliance, cooking time, and the power output. Energy rating is a useful indicator for estimating the energy efficiency of an air fryer. Air fryers with a higher energy rating tend to consume less energy and are more cost-effective in the long run. In general, the average energy use of an air fryer ranges between 800 to 1500 watts per hour, depending on the model and size.

The electricity costs associated with an air fryer will depend on the specific electricity rates in the UK and the frequency of use. The average household in the UK consumes approximately 3,600 kWh of electricity per year, which translates to an average daily consumption of 9.86 kWh. The cost of electricity in the UK varies depending on the region and the supplier. According to UK Power, the average cost of electricity in the UK is around 18.75p per kWh.

Using this average electricity rate, we can estimate the cost of running an air fryer in a UK household. For example, if an air fryer has a power output of 1200 watts and is used for 30 minutes per day, the energy consumption would be 0.6 kWh per day or 219 kWh per year. This would translate to an annual electricity cost of approximately £41.06.

According to the product specifications provided by Breville, the VDF126 Digital air fryer has a power output of 1200 watts. This means that if the air fryer is used at its maximum power output for one hour, it will consume 1.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.

In practice, the energy use of the air fryer will be lower than this, as the appliance is not likely to be used continuously at maximum power output for a full hour. The actual energy use will depend on the specific cooking requirements, such as the temperature settings used and the length of the cooking time.

To provide a more accurate estimate of energy use, we can use the average cooking time and power output for an air fryer. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the average cooking time for an air fryer is 14 minutes, with an average power output of 1425 watts.

Microwave

often used for reheating, defrosting and cooking food, and are generally considered to be energy-efficient appliances. However, microwaves can still use a significant amount of energy, particularly if they are used frequently and for prolonged periods.

To save energy when using a microwave, there are several things you can do. Firstly, make sure to choose an energy-efficient model when purchasing a new microwave. Look for models with a high energy rating, which will be more efficient and use less energy. When using your microwave, avoid leaving it on standby or using it for longer than necessary, as this can lead to high energy usage. Always use the correct cooking times and power levels, as this can also help to reduce energy usage.

When it comes to energy use, this Hisense Digital Microwave H20MOMBS4HGU is considered to be relatively energy-efficient, thanks to its 800W power output and energy rating of A.

The 800W power output of this microwave means that it is able to heat food quickly and efficiently, using less energy than a microwave with a higher power output. This makes it a good choice for those who are conscious about their energy usage and want to save on their energy bills.

Tumble dryer

Tumble dryers are a convenient appliance that many households rely on to dry their clothes quickly and efficiently. However, they can also be a source of wasted energy in the home. Tumble dryers use a significant amount of energy to dry clothes, and this electricity usage can quickly add up, especially if the dryer is used frequently.

Another way that tumble dryers can waste energy is by using the wrong settings. For example, using the highest heat setting when it’s not necessary can use more energy than is required to dry the clothes. It’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that you are using the most energy-efficient settings for your dryer.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers can use the most energy in a kitchen, accounting for about 2% of total household energy use. Energy-efficient dishwashers can help reduce energy consumption and water usage. Additionally, running full loads of dishes can help maximize the efficiency of the dishwasher and reduce the number of cycles required.

While many are reliant on their dishwasher, we highly reccommend using the energy-saving technique of washing your dishes at home in the dink, as this is often one of the leading causes of energy waste in the home. If you don’t have the time to do this, switching to energy efficient appliances could be the essential change you need to see to reduce electricity consumption. The COMFEE Freestanding Dishwasher console only uses 92kWh per 100 cycles.

Fridge Freezer

However, in general, the energy consumption of a typical fridge freezer is estimated to be around 250-350 kilowatt hours per year.

To put this into perspective, this is roughly equivalent to the amount of energy required to power a small television for around 6 months, or to run a desktop computer for around 3 months. It is also worth noting that the energy consumption of a fridge freezer is likely to be highest during the summer months, when the ambient temperature is warmer and the appliance has to work harder to maintain a constant temperature inside. Today, our recommendation uses just under ‎235 Kilowatt hours per year.