In just over a fortnight, the energy price cap will rise once again for households across the UK. From July 1 to September 30, 2026, energy prices will increase by 13% for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by Direct Debit.
Which Appliances Use the Most Energy?
Ahead of this latest rise, we have looked at which household appliances consume the most energy - and how pressing one simple button could help cut your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for approximately 14% of a typical energy bill, making them the biggest energy-hungry culprits. Fridges and freezers come in close behind, responsible for around 13% of a household's energy costs.
These appliances consume considerable amounts of energy owing to the fact they must remain switched on at all times. TVs, laptops and games consoles are responsible for roughly 6% of average energy usage, while lighting accounts for around 5% of a typical household's energy bill.
The Cost of Standby Mode
Research from Go Compare reveals that certain devices in our homes consume far more energy than necessary - because we tend to leave them on standby rather than switching them off entirely. One of the biggest culprits is the set-top box. Left on standby for 20 hours a day, this adds around £33.59 to your annual energy bills.
A TV left on standby for the same period adds approximately £9.49, while a laptop in the same state costs around £7.59. Appliances such as microwaves, coffee machines, printers, radios and games consoles left on standby will also push your bills higher.
Expert Advice
Nathan Blackler, energy spokesperson at Go.Compare, said: "It's well known that leaving appliances on standby mode can put needless strain on your energy bill, but our latest research highlights just how much it can cost over the course of a year.
"We'd always encourage homes to switch off and save when they can, as it can be a big boost to both their wallet and the environment. Devices like televisions, coffee machines, laptops and games consoles can be safely turned off at the wall when not in use, so it's wise to get into the habit of doing this to avoid wasting power."
