Households across the UK are being warned about common domestic appliances that are secretly inflating their annual energy bills by hundreds of pounds. New analysis highlights the worst offenders for guzzling electricity, with one device in particular being singled out by money-saving expert Martin Lewis.
The Top Three Energy-Guzzling Appliances
According to Max Schwerdtfeger, home energy deputy editor at The Eco Experts, three everyday appliances are responsible for a significant portion of home electricity consumption. The data, based on November 2025's electricity price of 26.35p per kWh, reveals the staggering annual costs.
Taking the number one spot is the tumble dryer. This appliance consumes a substantial 4.5 kWh per cycle. With typical use, it can cost UK households approximately £246.64 per year. Martin Lewis has explicitly labelled the tumble dryer a 'demon appliance', noting it is often the most expensive device to run, costing around £1 per load.
Next on the list is the electric oven. With an average usage of 1.2 kWh per use, it is the most costly appliance overall, adding a massive £383.66 to annual energy bills. Sharing a similar energy consumption per use is the washing machine, also using 1.2 kWh per cycle. However, due to generally less frequent use, it costs households about £65.77 per year.
How to Cut Costs and Use Your Tumble Dryer Efficiently
With the tumble dryer identified as a primary culprit for high energy costs, experts are urging homeowners to reconsider their usage. The most effective way to save money is to avoid using a tumble dryer wherever possible, opting for air-drying clothes instead.
For those times when using the dryer is unavoidable, Max Schwerdtfeger has provided six key tips to improve its efficiency and reduce running costs:
Keep filters clean: Regularly clean the lint and evaporator filters. Blocked filters force the motor to work harder, increasing energy consumption.
Ensure good ventilation: Place your dryer in a well-ventilated room to prevent overheating, which makes the machine work harder.
Avoid overloading: Stuffing the drum too full can damage the dryer and make clothes take longer to dry, as there isn't enough room for air to circulate.
Don't underload either: Remember that doing fewer loads each week saves more energy, so try to run full, but not overstuffed, cycles.
Use sensor-drying programmes: If your machine has this setting, use it. It automatically stops the cycle when clothes are dry, preventing unnecessary energy use.
Try dryer balls: Using dryer balls can shorten drying time by soaking up excess water and improving airflow around the laundry.
Taking Control of Your Household Energy Use
The message from energy experts is clear: being mindful of how and when we use our most power-hungry appliances can lead to substantial savings. Simple behavioural changes and maintenance routines can prevent these common household devices from adding an unexpected £383 or more to your yearly bills. As energy prices remain a concern for many, taking proactive steps to improve efficiency is more important than ever for the financial health of UK families.
