Energy Bills Rising: Five Everyday Habits Costing You Hundreds
With energy bills poised to rise, households throughout the UK are bracing for another increase. While some costs may be unavoidable, experts suggest that routine household practices and forgotten appliances could be silently inflating bills without people being aware.
Home specialist Nancy Emery from Tap Warehouse is encouraging households to remain vigilant about "vampire devices" – electrical items that continue consuming power even when they seem to be turned off. According to the Energy Saving Trust, households in Great Britain could save approximately £45 annually merely by switching appliances completely off standby mode.
Nancy said: "Many of us assume that once an appliance is switched off, it stops using electricity altogether. But some devices can continue drawing power in standby mode, quietly using energy day and night. While the cost of running a single appliance may seem small, multiple devices left plugged in across the home can add up over time."
Not Unplugging Appliances
Items such as televisions, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and chargers can continue to consume power even when not actively in use. Additionally, switching off microwaves and air fryers can help reduce costs and improve safety.
Running the Dishwasher Half-Empty
Nancy said: "Dishwashers are generally more efficient than washing up by hand, but running half-empty cycles uses unnecessary water and electricity. Waiting until the machine is full and using eco settings where available can help reduce waste." According to the Energy Saving Trust, dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers account for approximately 14% of a typical household energy bill, making efficient use beneficial.
Not Fixing Dripping Taps
A dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year, particularly if hot water is affected. Frequently, the problem stems from a worn cartridge or washer, a minor component that can cost as little as £5. Nancy added: "If left, a trickling tap can waste around 5,500 litres of water annually, equivalent to roughly three months of daily showers on top of your regular use." That could add around £14-£16 per year to household bills from just one leaking tap.
Boiling Too Much Water
Overfilling the kettle is amongst the most widespread energy-wasting habits in UK kitchens. If you overfill the appliance by just half a litre each day, that amounts to approximately 365 litres of needlessly heated water annually, according to experts.
Not Switching the Lights Off
Leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms can waste electricity, especially if they remain on for extended periods. Nancy said: "Even with LED bulbs, unnecessary lighting can add up over time. If a light is needed overnight, consider using a low-energy plug-in night light instead." In fact, the Energy Saving Trust says this can save around £8 a year.
