British households are being urged to check their kitchens for a common appliance that could be secretly driving up energy bills by as much as 500%, according to shocking new research.
The humble electric towel rail, found in many UK bathrooms and kitchens, has been identified as a major contributor to soaring electricity costs, with many families completely unaware of the financial drain.
The Silent Bill Killer in Your Home
Energy experts at Hometree have uncovered that leaving an electric towel rail switched on continuously could cost households an astonishing £21 per month - adding up to £252 annually to energy bills.
"Many people don't realise these devices are essentially small radiators," explains a Hometree spokesperson. "They consume significant electricity 24/7, often for towels that dried hours ago."
How Your Towel Rail Compares to Other Appliances
The research reveals startling comparisons that put the energy consumption into perspective:
- Electric towel rail: £21 monthly when left on constantly
- Tumble dryer: £18 monthly with regular use
- Electric heater: £15 monthly during winter months
- Gaming PC: £13 monthly with daily use
"The fact that a towel rail can out-cost a tumble dryer or gaming setup will shock most families," the energy expert added.
Simple Steps to Slash Your Bills
Households can take immediate action to reduce this unnecessary expense:
- Install a timer switch to run the rail only when needed
- Use the rail for drying periods only, then switch off
- Consider alternative drying methods like heated airers
- Check if your model has energy-saving settings
The Bigger Picture of Energy Waste
This discovery comes amid continuing pressure on household budgets from high energy prices. While attention often focuses on major appliances, it's these smaller, constantly-running devices that can create the biggest surprises on electricity bills.
"Many families are doing everything right with their washing machines and dishwashers, but missing these hidden energy drains," the expert noted. "A few simple changes could save hundreds annually."
The warning serves as a crucial reminder to regularly audit all household appliances, not just the obvious energy consumers, as the cost of living crisis continues to challenge British households.
