How much your electrical devices cost you to use

When it comes to running your kitchen appliances, the cost can add up quickly. But just how much are you spending on your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, kettle, and toaster? Understanding the energy consumption of these common appliances can help you make more informed decisions about how you use them and potentially save you money on your energy bills.

Let's start with the refrigerator. It's one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your kitchen and can consume as much as 15% of your total energy usage. On average, a fridge will cost you £20 - £40 per year to run. However, this cost can vary depending on the energy efficiency rating of your refrigerator and how often you open and close the door.

Next, let's talk about the dishwasher. It's a convenient appliance that can save you time and energy when it comes to cleaning your dishes, but it also consumes energy. On average, running a dishwasher will cost you £20 - £35 a year. Again, this cost can vary depending on the energy efficiency rating of your appliance and how often you use it.

The oven is another energy-intensive appliance in your kitchen. It consumes a significant amount of energy when in use, especially when preheating. On average, running an oven will cost you £20 - £50 per year. The cost can vary depending on the energy efficiency rating of your oven and how often you use it.

Over the course of a year, which works out as approximately 220 cycles (the average across the UK), the average washing machine will cost £59.32 per year. However, a more efficient washing machine could cost as little as £39.10 a year and an older, less energy-efficient model could be costing as much as £73.78 a year.

The hob is a less energy-intensive appliance compared to the oven, but it still consumes energy. On average, running a hob will cost you £5 - £15 a year. The cost can vary depending on the energy efficiency rating and how often you use it.

Finally, let's talk about the kettle and toaster. These small appliances consume less energy than larger appliances, but they are still used often. On average, running a kettle will cost you £1 - £2 a year and running a toaster will cost the same.

It's worth noting that all these estimates are based on average usage and can be higher or lower depending on your specific usage patterns.

By understanding the energy consumption of your kitchen appliances, you can make more informed decisions about how you use them and potentially save money on your energy bills. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances, using your appliances during off-peak hours, and being mindful of how often you use your appliances to help lower your energy costs.

Leaving appliances on standby mode can also add up to a significant amount on your energy bills, especially if you have multiple appliances that are left on standby frequently. The cost to leave appliances on standby vary depending on the appliance, but some estimates include:

• Television: £13 - £26 a year

• DVD/Blu-ray player: £4 - £8 a year

• Gaming console: £9 - £18 a year

• Cable/satellite box: £5 - £10 a year

• Computer: £30 - £60 a year

• Router: £3 - £6 a year

• Modem: £2 - £4 a year

These estimates again are based on average usage and can be higher or lower depending on how often you leave the appliances on standby, the energy efficiency rating of the appliance, and the cost of electricity in your area. It's worth mentioning that even if the cost of leaving an appliance on standby may not be very high, it's still not an energy efficient way of using them and it's always best to turn them off when not in use.

It's also important to note that standby power consumption, also known as vampire power or phantom load, is a significant contributor to the overall energy consumption of households, so it's a good idea to unplug appliances or use power strips with on/off switches to make it easier to cut power to multiple devices at once. Installing a smart meter can help to show how much you're spending and which devices are using the most power.

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