With energy bills still high during the colder months, experts have shared simple ways to ensure your appliances are running efficiently to save money on your bills.
Spring may be around the corner, but Britain’s weather remains decidedly nippy. With homes nationwide still depending on central heating for warmth, energy bills look set to remain stubbornly high.
One factor driving up costs is making your household appliances work harder than necessary. Fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers can all lose efficiency during colder spells.
When yours are running flat out, you’re not only risking breakdowns and costly repairs but also pushing your energy bills skyward.
For those hunting for ways to trim expenses, specialists at Hisense have revealed to Express.co.uk some straightforward adjustments that could bring bills down.
Their first recommendation is checking the temperature settings on your fridge and freezer. Fridges ought to sit between 3C and 5C, whilst freezers should be at -18C.
Any colder than this, and your fridge could be labouring unnecessarily, ramping up energy consumption. Given that fridges set the average British household back a staggering £180 annually, these checks are essential.
It’s equally vital to position your fridge indoors within a heated environment. A fridge stuck in the shed or garage risks malfunctioning in freezing conditions, potentially landing you with pricey repairs.
Defrosting your freezer regularly can also slash costs. If you’ve spotted ice accumulation in your freezer, address it promptly.
Extra ice doesn’t just eat into storage capacity – it forces the appliance to work considerably harder to maintain the proper temperature.
Washing machines require regular maintenance, too, to prevent unnecessary expenses and ensure optimal performance.
Every couple of months it’s advisable to run a maintenance cycle on your machine. This involves running an empty wash with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. This will clear out detergent residue and mould buildup which is more common in winter.
When washing heavier jumpers and coats during winter, it’s also important to ensure you are balancing the weight properly. By distributing clothing evenly in the drum you will avoid straining the motor and potentially breaking the machine.
After transferring your washing from the machine to the tumble dryer, double check the weight here too and ensure you have cleared out all of the lint in the catcher. Not only does this lower the risk of damage to the dryer but also lowers the risk of a house fire.
If used four times per week on average, it will cost a UK household £254 to run per year. Regularly cleaning the lint filter and ensuring vents are clear can improve efficiency and help keep costs down.
