Product experts at Haier and Hoover have identified 10 common kitchen appliance mistakes that could be adding to household energy bills this winter, following the latest rise in the Ofgem energy price cap.
From turning the fridge down too far to washing everything at 40°C and pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, the list covers several habits consumers may be doing without realising.
Refrigeration tips
Chris Grundy, Senior Cooling Product Marketing Manager at Hoover and Haier, said: "When people are trying to save money, it’s easy to assume that turning the fridge down as far as possible is the best approach. In reality, colder doesn’t always mean better. Around 5°C or below is generally enough to keep food safely chilled, while turning the temperature down unnecessarily can use more energy and could even cause some foods to freeze."
He added: "It’s a common misconception that an empty fridge will automatically be cheaper to run. Keeping a reasonable amount of food inside can actually help the appliance maintain a stable temperature, as the contents retain the cold."
He also warned about frost build-up and uneven cooling, saying: "Frost build-up and uneven cooling can both affect how effectively a fridge freezer operates. Technologies such as Total No Frost circulate cold air more evenly and prevent ice from building up, which means there’s no need for manual defrosting and the appliance can maintain a more stable environment for your food."
Laundry tips
Richard Howarth, Senior Laundry Product Marketing Manager at Hoover and Haier, said: "One of the simplest changes people can make is to stop automatically reaching for a hot wash. Modern detergents are designed to work effectively at lower temperatures, so for everyday laundry, a 20°C or 30°C cycle can often get the job done while using less energy than a hotter programme."
He added: "If you’re putting the washing machine on every time you have a few things in the basket, you could be using energy and water without making the most of the cycle. Where possible, wait until you have a full load, while being careful not to overload the drum."
On detergent, he said: "More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much can leave residue on fabrics and may affect how effectively the machine rinses and cleans them. Check the recommended dosage for your detergent and adjust it according to the load and level of soiling."
Richard also explained that heat pump dryers are generally the most energy-efficient type because they recycle warm air inside the appliance rather than continually generating new heat. However, they tend to dry clothes at lower temperatures and cycles can take longer.
Dishwashing tips
Rosy Green, Dishwashing Product Marketing Manager at Hoover and Haier, said: "Pre-rinsing every plate under the tap is one of the biggest habits I’d encourage people to reconsider. Modern dishwashers are designed to deal with food residue, so in most cases you can simply scrape leftover food into the bin and let the dishwasher do the cleaning."
She added: "The most efficient way to use a dishwasher is to make sure you’re getting as much out of each cycle as possible. Running a full load rather than several smaller ones means you’re making better use of the water and energy required. Eco programmes are also worth using where appropriate. They can take longer, but they’re designed to use less water and energy overall."
