Cost of Living: Consumer group offers energy and money-saving tips to weather rising prices | UK News

With home appliance operating costs set to soar this winter, which consumer watchdog? offered a list of ways to deal with price increases.

The energy price cap is expected to rise by 80 per cent in October, after regulator Ofgem said the average annual household bill could be raised from £1,971 to £3,549.

To help offset that, come on? suggestions:

Freezer

The average built-in freezer currently costs around £73 a year to run and this will rise to £136 in October. However, US models, which cost between £84 and £120 to run, will increased to 155 and 222 pounds a year.

To make sure your freezer is working as efficiently as possible, what? It is recommended to clean the condenser coils on the back, as dust on them can prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly.

If you have damaged door seals, it’s important to replace them so cold air can’t escape and make sure food is cooled properly before putting it in the fridge.

‘smart’ heating control

‘Smart’ heating controls can cut your bills and improve your comfort by making better use of the heating energy you pay for. What? It is estimated that an average sized household could save at least £100 a year using smart controls and could cut the home’s carbon footprint by 320kg per year.

When using a smart thermostat, which one? It is recommended to use zone heating control with radiator valve to change the heating and schedule of different rooms.

Emily Seymour, which one? Energy editor, said: “The huge increase in energy bills is a real cause for concern for millions of households across the country, especially as so many are already feeling the pressure of life. cost of living crisis.”

Find out if you can get an energy subsidy

The Home Discount Program is available to retirees and certain benefits recipients. That’s £140, but rises to £150 in October 2022.

Those born before 26 September 1955 can claim a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 per winter, and energy companies also have their own hardship fund.

More on the cost of living crisis:
The effect small changes can make on your bill
UK food prices rise the most in 14 years
Home care provider warns of closure due to rising energy costs

Reduce washing machine costs

The average cost of running a washing machine annually will increase from just over £63 to over £117 under the new energy price cap. What? It is suggested to reduce costs by waiting until you can fill the machine to about 80% capacity, rather than washing several times with a smaller volume.

If clothes are not yellowing, then consider washing at 30 degrees Celsius, as it will cut energy use by an average of 38% compared to washing at 40 degrees Celsius, while washing at 20 degrees Celsius will use less. more than 62% energy.

Using the dishwasher ‘the right way’

The average annual running cost for a full-size dishwasher will increase from £83 to £153, and for the slim model it will cost £136, up from £73.

What? suggest to make sure the dishwasher is not full or too full, to wash the full load instead of running a few dishes and running it on eco.

While hand washing may seem like a cheaper option, hand washing uses more water than a dishwasher.

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Cooking tips

A built-in electric oven costs £66 a year to run, which will rise to £122 after the price cap rises, while a single gas oven costs £20 and will rise to £43.

Costs can be reduced by cooking large amounts of food at a time and eating them in meals throughout the week, rather than running the oven every day. You can defrost frozen food in the fridge first, so your oven doesn’t have to work so hard to cook, what? speak.

Smaller items like an air fryer or combi microwave can be more cost-effective than an oven for cooking smaller items.

Cut down on clothes dryer costs

Which company’s calculations show the cost of an average heat pump tumble dryer will increase from £56 to £104 a year, while condenser dryers require more electricity and costs will rise from £140 to £260 a year after the new price cap goes into effect.

The simplest way to save money is to rethink how you can dry your laundry efficiently, such as hanging laundry outside on a clothesline or on an airplane. However, be aware of the damp and mold that can be caused by regularly drying the clothes inside and make sure you open the windows.