Energy bills are rising but there are some simple things you can do in the kitchen to help lower your costs.
From tumble dryers to washing machines, we explain the appliances using the most electricity - and what you can do about them.
It comes as energy bills skyrocketed for millions of homes as of last week, following a huge £700 increase to the Ofgem price cap.
For those on a default tariff who pay by direct debit, the price cap has gone up from £1,277 to £1,971 - a rise of £693.
Prepayment customers have seen a bigger jump, with their price cap going up by £708, from £1,309 to £2,017.
Five appliances pushing up your energy bills
The Mirror spoke to British Gas smart energy expert Marc Robson to highlight five kitchen appliances that are pushing up your bills.
“The kitchen is one of the most energy intensive rooms in the house so it’s a great place to start when looking to cut your usage,” said Mr Robson.
Are you worried about affording your energy bill? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
“When I do a home visit with a customer I always find small changes they can make in the kitchen.
“Doing things like cleaning filters on appliances to ensure they running effectively, defrosting the fridge and smart cooking habits can make a big difference.
“And when it’s time to replace items ensure you opt for the higher energy efficiency rating.”
Tumble dryer
The tumble dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances - but there are simple solutions to avoid using it.
Take advantage of the warmer weather by drying your laundry outside where you can, or use a clothes airer instead.
Washing machine
The washing machine is an appliance you can’t really avoid using, but there are ways to use it smarter to lower your energy bill.
Running your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of using higher temperatures can save on your annual bill.
So avoid those longer and hotter washes if you want to keep costs down.
Fridge freezer
A fridge freezer runs all day and all night, so it’s easy to see how one would guzzle up a large chunk of your energy bill.
Try to defrost your fridge and freezer regularly to keep ice build-up under control and make sure everything is working efficiently.
Otherwise they’ll start using more energy than they actually need.
Kettle
If you’re a fan of a cuppa, chances are you’ll be reaching for that kettle several times a day - but overfilling the kettle could be costing you cash.
Instead, you should only fill up the kettle with the water you need. The same goes for pots and pans – pick one that’s the right size for what you’re cooking and fill it with just enough water.
Simply putting a lid on will save energy and reduce condensation in the kitchen as well.
Oven
The oven is another energy guzzler, so try switching to a microwave if you can.
Microwaves are generally more energy-friendly as they use less power and you typically use it for a much shorter time compared to an oven.
It’s worth considering a slow cooker too, as they’re one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
