Appliance Running Costs: Which use the most energy (and how to save)

The rising cost of energy has become a significant concern for both the public and UK Government. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that approximately 13% of households are now in fuel poverty, highlighting the growing financial strain on many families.

But what can you do about it? Simply changing your habits without understanding your energy usage won’t necessarily save you money.

A more effective approach begins with understanding how much energy your household appliances consume. By pairing this knowledge with a smart meter, you can identify the devices consuming the most electricity. This insight allows you to monitor and manage your energy usage more effectively.

With this information, you can take steps to reduce energy waste, adopt more energy-efficient practices, and ultimately lower your electricity bills. Not only does this help you save money, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability, benefiting both your wallet and the planet.

Here’s a tip: Many households are now adopting battery storage systems to take advantage of lower off-peak tariffs, which can significantly reduce energy costs. Explore how you can start saving today — click here to learn more!

How Much Electricity Do Common Household Appliances Use?

The energy consumption of an appliance depends on several factors, primarily its size, wattage, and how long it’s used each day. Additionally, electricity prices can vary based on your location within the UK and the tariff you’re on, influenced by changes in the energy price cap, which adjusts periodically.

Other important factors include the age and efficiency of the appliance, the conditions under which it operates, and whether it remains in standby mode when not in use.

For common questions about energy consumption per appliance, we’ll use average figures and real-world examples, working with the latest data on energy prices to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

PS: You can check the history of the energy price cap, along with future estimates, in our timeline of the energy price cap here.

Estimated Energy Costs of Common Household Appliances:  

Please note: Certain appliances will not be running constantly, e.g., fridge freezers will turn themselves off once they have reached a set temperature; therefore, the cost is not the hourly amount x 24 hours. 

How Much Energy Do Other Household Appliances Use?

How Much Electricity Does A Desktop Computer (PC) Use?

A typical desktop computer consumes about 140 watts, which is equivalent to 0.14 kWh.

Running this computer for eight hours a day would consume 1.12 kWh. At a cost of 22.36p per kWh, this would equate to approximately 25.04p per day or about 3.13p per hour. If you use your computer for work, there’s a good chance you’ve got yourself a net profit. 

How Much Electricity Does A Laptop Use?

A typical laptop consumes about 50 watts of electricity, which equates to 0.05 kWh.

Running the laptop for eight hours a day would use 0.4 kWh. At a cost of 22.36p per kWh, this amounts to approximately 8.94p per day to operate the laptop, or about 1.12p per hour.

It may be more efficient and complete a cycle or its task more quickly, but it may actually end up using less energy than non-efficient models. 

If you are interested in saving money on your energy bills check out our complete guide here. If you’re not interested in saving money on your energy bills, you’re basically alone. 

How Much Energy Does a Kettle Use? 

A typical kitchen kettle has a power rating of about 3,000 watts and uses approximately 0.11 kWh to heat 1 litre of water.

Thus, heating 1 litre of water costs 0.11 kWh x 22.36p/kWh = 2.46p, rounded to about 2.5p per litre. For four cups (assuming a cup is about a quarter litre), that equates to roughly 0.11 kWh per four cups. Therefore, the cost to boil enough water for four cups would be:

0.11 kWh x 22.35p/kWh = 2.46p, or about 2.5p for four cups of tea or coffee.

How Much Energy Does a Microwave Use? 

An average microwave with a power rating of 1,000 watts (or 1 kW) costs 22.36p for an hour of running time. For a 10-minute duration, the cost would be approximately:

Cost for 10 minutes = 3.73p

So, running a microwave for 10 minutes costs about 3.7p, which is much more economical compared to the initial calculation of 22.36p for one hour. This highlights that while microwaves are powerful, they are typically only used for short periods, making them quite cost-effective relative to their high power rating.

Of course, most people don’t run the microwave for longer than ten minutes (after which the middle of your food will still be cold). 

Energy Help Guides: 

• History of Ofgem's energy price cap. 

• How to reduce your energy bills. 

• Fuel Poverty in the UK. 

• How much electricity do appliances use? 

• What is the Energy Price Guarantee?

• How to Save on Your Electric Bill. 

• Why are energy bills increasing? 

• When will energy bills decrease? 

• How to improve your property's EPC rating. 

How Much Does a Large Screen TV Use? 

An LCD TV, which consumes about 120 watts, uses 0.12 kWh per hour. If it's turned on for 8 hours, it costs about 21.5p per day or approximately 2.7p per hour.

However, if you have a plasma TV, which averages around 350 watts, it consumes 0.35 kWh per hour. Therefore, if it's turned on for 8 hours a day, it will cost about 62.6p per day or about 7.8p per hour.

How Much Energy Does a Single Lightbulb Use? 

A non-energy-saving 100W light bulb uses around 0.1 kW per hour, which would cost approximately 2.2p an hour to use.

That means that ten 100W light bulbs being used at once would require 1 kW, which would cost 22.4p an hour.

For instance, LED light bulbs, have typical wattages of between 4 and 20 watts. 

How Much Energy Does a Tumble Dryer Use? 

A non-energy-saving 100W light bulb consumes approximately 0.1 kW per hour, which would cost about 2.2p per hour to use.

Therefore, using ten 100W light bulbs simultaneously, which would total 1 kW, would cost 22.4p per hour.

How Much Energy Does a Washing Machine Use? 

The average washing machine has a power rating of 2,100 watts, equivalent to 2.1 kWh. At the current electricity price, this works out to about 47p per hour or approximately 7.8p for 10 minutes. This is still cheaper than hiring a maid to wash your clothes by hand.

How Do You Calculate the Amount of Energy Used By An Appliance? 

You use the following formula to calculate the energy used by an appliance: 

Power rating in kilowatts x hours used per day = kWh per day. 

Recommended reading: 

• Average carbon footprint in the UK. 

• Where does the UK get its gas from?

• Most polluting industries. 

• Worst appliances to leave on standby. 

• How to reduce your carbon emissions. 

• How to generate energy at home.

How Do You Calculate the Energy Cost Of An Appliance? 

You use the following formula to calculate the energy cost of an appliance:

kWh per day x unit cost = cost of electricity each day. 

For example:

If you had a 500W (0.5 kW) tumble dryer and operated it for the entire day (24 hours), it would use 12 kWh of electricity (i.e., half a kilowatt every hour). This operation would be incredibly inefficient.

Given the current electricity price of 22.36p per unit, multiplying 12 kWh by 22.36p results in a total of 268p, or £2.68.

As mentioned previously, we used the 22.36p figure based on the latest available information. However, since energy prices can fluctuate, it's important to adjust these figures at regular intervals to reflect any changes in the energy price cap or market rates.

Which Appliances Use the Most Energy? 

The general rule is that the appliances that have more moving parts use the most energy, for example, tumble dryers, washing machines and microwaves. 

In fact, the Energy Saving Trust breaks down the most energy-consuming appliances into five distinct categories: 

• Wet appliances – use 16% of total energy bill costs.

• Cold appliances – use 12% of total energy bill costs.

• Consumer electronics – use 7% of total energy bill costs.

• Lighting – use 6% of total energy costs.

• Cooking – use 4% of total energy costs.

Note that your kids demand a lot of energy, but it can’t be expressed in kWh (until you start to dry their clothes).  

Related reading: 

• Boiler Replacement & New Boiler Guide.

• Boilers on Finance. 

• Boiler Installation guide. 

• New Boiler Quote. 

Methodology:

• According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the average cost for standard electricity in the UK as of July 2024 is 22.36p/kWh.

• The energy price cap, effective from July 1st, 2024, for electricity is set at 22.36p/kWh.

• Therefore, to determine how much energy it costs to run an appliance, we can use the following formula: Calculate the amount of energy used by the appliance: Power rating in kilowatts x hours used per day.

• Then, calculate the energy cost: kWh per day x unit cost = cost of electricity each day.

• For example, if you have a 500W (0.5 kW) tumble dryer and you run it for a whole day (24 hours), it will use 12 kWh of electricity (e.g., half a kilowatt every hour).

• If your electricity costs 22.36p per unit, then multiply 12 kWh by 22.36p and you get a grand total of 268.32p, or £2.68.