Appliance Running Costs and Energy Use Calculator

How Much Electricity Do Common Household Appliances Use?

Every device in your home adds to your energy bill — even when it’s left on standby mode. An appliance running cost calculator helps you work out how much each electrical appliance costs to run and which ones consume the most electricity.

The calculation is simple:

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As of October–December 2025, Ofgem’s energy price cap sets the electricity unit price at 26.35 p/kWh with an average standing charge of 53.68 p/day.

That means the amount of electricity used by home appliances — and how long they’re switched on — determines how high your electricity bill will be.

Check your current usage instantly with the energy bill calculator

Which Appliances Use the Most Energy at Home?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year, costing about £1,717 annually. More than half of this comes from a handful of common household appliances.

These figures reveal that a few biggest users of electricity dominate household costs — particularly heating, laundry, and refrigeration.

How Much Does Each Appliance Cost to Run Per Year?

The table below uses verified 2025 data based on 26.35 p/kWh electricity and average daily use.

Homes that monitor usage with smart meters typically reduce energy consumption by 5–10%, saving £50–£100 per year just by spotting unnecessary energy use.

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Which Appliances Waste the Most Energy on Standby?

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that “vampire” devices left on standby power can add up to £60–£80 per year to the average energy bill.

Reducing standby mode waste is one of the most effective ways to cut energy costs without changing habits drastically.

How Do Laundry and Kitchen Appliances Affect Energy Bills?

Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers

Laundry accounts for roughly 14% of home energy use. Running a washing machine at 30 °C instead of 60 °C cuts energy consumption by 40%.

Heat pump tumble dryers are the most energy-efficient, using less electricity and less time to dry clothes than condenser models.

Running laundry appliances in off-peak periods or full loads makes a big difference over the year.

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances are among the most energy-intensive due to frequent water heating and long operating times.

Cooking efficiently — e.g., using right-size pans, shorter heating durations, and covering pots — saves both energy and water.

Which Home Appliances Run All Day?

Fridge freezers, routers, and smart speakers often run the entire day, quietly drawing power.
While you can’t switch them off, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances (A or B rated) can reduce energy use by 20–30%.

For example, modern fridge freezers use roughly 200 kWh per year, compared to 400 kWh for older models — a saving of around £50 per year.

How Can You Track Appliance Energy Usage More Accurately?

Using a smart meter or plug-in monitor is the best way to measure how much energy your household appliances actually use.

• Smart meters show live consumption, broken down by appliance groups.
• Plug-in power meters measure kWh of electricity used by individual devices.
• Smart home devices such as energy dashboards can link with Wi-Fi plugs to track usage in real time.

Households using these tools report average energy savings of 8–12% per year, mainly by reducing unnecessary energy use.

Track your usage and savings easily with the energy bill calculator

What Are the Most Expensive Appliances to Run?

The most expensive appliances tend to have high power ratings and generate heat or hot water.

Switching to energy-efficient models or running them for less time can deliver big savings annually.

Can Solar Panels Help Offset Appliance Energy Use?

Yes. Installing solar panels is a long-term solution for cutting electricity costs. A 4 kW system can generate 3,800 kWh per year, offsetting about £500 of annual energy use at current prices.

By powering your kitchen appliances, laundry, and smart devices during daylight hours, you reduce grid demand and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

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How to Switch and Save on Energy Bills

Switching to the right energy tariff is still one of the most effective ways to lower household costs — especially as electricity rates vary widely between suppliers and regions. With small differences in unit price translating to hundreds of pounds a year, it pays to review your plan regularly.

Step 1: Start by using the energy bill calculator to check how much power your household appliances consume and estimate your total annual spend. The utility bill calculator highlights the amount of electricity used by each device, helping you spot where small changes can deliver big savings.

Step 2: Once you know your usage, compare energy prices across suppliers. Look at both standing charges and unit rates — even a 1p difference per kWh can add up to more than £30 a year for the average household. Consider switching to a time-of-use tariff if you can run appliances like washing machines or dishwashers during off-peak hours.

Step 3: When you find the right plan, complete your switch online. Your new supplier will contact your current one, manage the handover, and ensure your energy use continues without interruption. There’s no engineer visit or supply break — just a smooth transition to a cheaper, more suitable tariff for your needs.

Regularly checking your tariff and usage ensures you stay on the most competitive rate and avoid paying more than necessary for your energy.

FAQs About Appliance Running Costs