In just over a fortnight, the energy price cap will rise once more for households throughout the UK. Between July 1 and September 30, 2026, energy costs will climb by 13% for a typical home using electricity and gas and settling payments via Direct Debit.
Before this forthcoming price surge, we've examined which household appliances consume the most energy - and how using one simple button could cut your energy expenditure. The Energy Saving Trust reports that washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers represent approximately 14% of a standard energy bill, making them the biggest energy-draining appliances. Following closely are fridges and freezers, accounting for roughly 13% of a household's energy costs.
These appliances consume substantial energy because they must remain operational constantly. TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles are accountable for approximately 6% of average energy consumption, while lighting comprises around 5% of a standard household's energy expenditure.
Analysis from Go Compare reveals that particular gadgets in our properties consume more energy than necessary. This occurs because we frequently leave them on standby instead of pressing the 'off' button. Among the biggest culprits is a set-top box. Left on standby for 20 hours daily, this adds approximately £33.59 to your annual energy costs.
A TV left on standby for the equivalent duration adds roughly £9.49, while it's £7.59 for a laptop in the same state. Equipment such as microwaves, coffee machines, printers, radios, and gaming consoles left on standby all contribute to your bills, too.
Nathan Blackler, energy spokesperson at Go.Compare, explained: "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."
