Did you know that most UK households are wasting money without even realising it? Simple mistakes with everyday appliances could be adding hundreds of pounds to your annual energy bill. In fact, a Uswitch study found that a huge 97% of households are guilty of these habits.

The good news? A few easy tweaks could put that money back in your pocket.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is a hive of energy use with gadgets and appliances whirring in the background. But misuse could be blowing up your bill.

Kettle

The kettle may seem small and harmless, but it’s one of the most commonly misused appliances - with 68% of people overfilling their kettle and 64% reboiling it after forgetting about it. Together, these habits can add an extra £36 a year to your energy bill!

Dishwasher & Washing Machine

Are you one of the 67% who use the fastest dishwasher setting? Or the 63% who skip eco mode on the washing machine?

That’s another £18 a year wasted. Many people assume eco mode uses more energy because the cycles take longer, but that’s a myth. Heating water is what costs the most. So, even if the programme takes more time, eco mode always uses less energy overall.

Overfilling Appliances

Stuffing too much into your dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer? You’re not helping. Overfilling actually reduces cleaning power and often means items need washing again. This bad habit adds up to £64 a year in wasted energy.

Air Fryer vs Oven

An air fryer works like a small convection oven but heats up faster and uses less energy. Using the oven instead could be costing you £32 extra a year. If you own an air fryer, stick to the right timings and save money every mealtime.

And if you don't have an air fryer, make sure to follow the temperature set on the cooking instructions. Using the same temperature for everything you cook in the oven could add £3 to your energy bill. Admittedly, that's not much of a saving on its own, but together with other actions, it could quickly add up! 

Other Everyday Habits

Even small slip-ups make a difference. Leaving the fridge door open, preheating the oven too long, or not following cooking instructions can sneakily add another £15 a year. 

How to Save Energy in the Kitchen

• Choose slow cookers, air fryers, or microwaves instead of the oven when possible.

• Always use eco mode - it saves both energy and water.

• Only boil the water you need. Kettles with low minimum fill lines are great for this.

• Don’t overload appliances. Leave space so water and air can circulate properly.

In the Bathroom

The bathroom is another energy hot spot, especially when it comes to shower time.

Long Showers

Half of people admit to showers longer than 10 minutes, while a third take 20 minutes or more. That indulgence comes at a cost:

• 10–20 minute showers = up to £70 extra a year

• 20+ minute showers = a whopping £120 extra a year

Taps & Water Use

Leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth is another common energy-waster. Heating water is expensive and it's responsible for 18% of a typical gas heating bill. And when it comes to handwashing, hot water isn’t necessary at all. It’s the soap and scrubbing that kill bacteria, not the temperature.

How to Save Energy in the Bathroom

• Keep showers to 4 minutes - saving up to £45 a year and 17,000 litres of water.

• If you have an electric shower, use eco mode.

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

• Wash hands in cold water - just as effective, far cheaper.

Biggest Energy-Wasting Actions

Uswitch found that these simple slip-ups are some of the worst offenders, collectively adding up to hundreds of pounds a year in wasted energy.

* Source: Uswitch.com. Energy prices assume a household is on a price-capped Standard Variable Tariff. 

• • •