Power down your bills. Which of my household appliances cost the most and least to run?

Understanding your household energy consumption can significantly impact your budget and environmental footprint. While the initial purchase price of appliances is a major factor, the ongoing operational cost often overshadows it over the appliance’s lifespan. This post helps you identify which appliances in your home are the biggest energy guzzlers and which are the most economical to run.

Knowing how much each appliance costs to run involves considering two key factors: wattage (the power consumption measured in watts) and usage time. High-wattage appliances used frequently will naturally cost more to operate than low-wattage appliances used sparingly. To calculate the exact cost, you’ll need your appliance’s wattage (found on a label, usually located on the back or bottom) and your electricity price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Your electricity bill should provide this information.

The big energy spenders

Generally speaking, these appliances tend to consume the most energy:

Electric / immersion water heater: Electric water heaters consume a considerable amount of energy. Consider switching to a tankless water heater, also known as a demand-water heater. These heaters only heat water on demand, saving energy by eliminating standby heat loss associated with traditional tank-style heaters. Alternatively, if replacing your entire system isn’t an option, ensure your current water heater is well-insulated and consider lowering the thermostat setting.
Electric oven/range cooker: While replacing your oven might not always be feasible, you can dramatically improve its energy efficiency. Ensure your oven door seals are airtight to prevent heat loss. Utilise the residual heat after cooking – many dishes can continue to cook effectively with the oven switched off. Embrace smaller appliances like a toaster oven or air fryer for smaller cooking tasks, reducing the energy needed to heat a large oven.
Kettle: Your electric kettle, a seemingly insignificant appliance, can actually consume a surprising amount of energy if it’s not energy-efficient. Choose a kettle with a wattage rating of 1500W or less. Look for features like automatic shut-off, which prevents energy waste from prolonged heating. Consider the size carefully; a smaller kettle is more energy-efficient for smaller households. Boiling only the amount of water you need also significantly reduces energy consumption – avoid overfilling.
Tumble dryer: Your tumble dryer is a notorious energy guzzler. Consider swapping to a heat pump dryer. These dryers use significantly less electricity than conventional models by recycling heat from the exhaust air, resulting in faster drying times and reduced energy costs. If you’re not currently thinking about trading in your old dryer, consider using tumble dryer balls made of wool – they help to reduce drying time by about a quarter by allowing better air circulation. They also act as natural fabric conditioner and cut down on the amount of lint produced. If space allows, consider line drying your clothes – it’s completely free and gentle on your fabrics!
Refrigerator/freezer: This workhorse of the kitchen is constantly running. Ensure yours is operating efficiently by regularly cleaning the coils (located at the back or bottom), ensuring proper ventilation, and keeping the door seals airtight. Consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model with an ‘A+++’ rating if your current refrigerator/freezer is old or inefficient. Remember to avoid overfilling, which can restrict airflow and force the compressor to work harder.
Electric radiator: Old-fashioned electric radiators are often inefficient, radiating heat directly rather than retaining and releasing it slowly. Look into modern alternatives like electric panel heaters or infrared heaters. These options often offer programmable thermostats, allowing you to precisely control heating schedules and save energy. Consider investing in a smart thermostat, which can further optimise your heating system and reduce energy waste.
Air conditioner: Air conditioners are essential in warmer climates, but they can dramatically inflate your energy bill. Invest in an energy-efficient model with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Regular maintenance, including cleaning filters, is crucial for optimal performance and minimising energy consumption. Consider using the air conditioner only when necessary and employing other cooling techniques like fans or opening windows during cooler parts of the day.

The energy savers

These appliances generally consume less energy:

Microwave oven: Microwaves generally use less energy than conventional ovens to heat food, making them a smart choice for quick meals. Look for models with high wattage and energy-efficient designs, indicated by energy star ratings. While convenient, avoid overuse; reheating leftovers in a microwave is far more efficient than using your conventional oven for smaller portions.
Slow cooker: Slow cookers are masters of low-energy cooking. They use significantly less electricity than ovens or stovetops because they maintain a low, consistent temperature for extended periods. This makes them perfect for preparing hearty stews, soups, and roasts while minimising energy consumption.
LED Lighting: Switching from incandescent or halogen bulbs to LED lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs. The initial investment quickly pays for itself through reduced electricity bills and less frequent bulb replacements.
Laptop computer: Compared to traditional desktop computers, laptops often consume less energy. They typically have lower wattage power supplies and integrated components, contributing to reduced energy usage. When not in use, always shut down completely, rather than leaving your laptop in sleep mode.
Small kitchen appliances (e.g. toaster, food processors etc.): While seemingly minor, the energy consumption of toasters can add up over time. Opt for toasters with adjustable settings to avoid over-toasting, minimising wasted energy. Look for models with a high wattage rating for faster toasting and potentially more efficient operation. Food processors are a great option for those looking to reduce their energy consumption when cooking. They are much more efficient than using a blender or a food mill, as they can handle a larger volume of food and complete tasks more quickly. When using a food processor, be sure to only process the amount of food necessary and unplug it when not in use.
Electric blanket: Electric blankets and heated throws provide warmth without the need to heat an entire room, resulting in significant energy savings compared to cranking up the central heating. Many modern models feature automatic shut-off timers and multiple temperature settings, allowing you to personalise your comfort while optimising energy usage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Q: How can I calculate the exact cost of running an appliance?

A: First, find the wattage (W) of the appliance. Then, calculate the kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year: (Wattage/1000) x (hours of use per day) x (365 days). Finally, multiply the kWh per year by your electricity cost per kWh. This gives you the annual running cost.

Q: Besides replacing appliances, what else can I do to reduce energy costs?

A: Besides upgrading to more efficient appliances, consider:

Unplugging electronics when not in use.
Using power strips to easily switch off multiple devices at once.
Regular appliance maintenance (cleaning refrigerator coils, etc.).
Improving home insulation.

By understanding your appliance’s energy consumption, you can make informed choices that save you money and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Remember that while the initial cost of an energy-efficient appliance may be higher, the long-term savings in operating costs often outweigh the increased upfront investment.

Zinsco breakers – unique product features

Zinsco has been a long-standing manufacturer of electrical breakers and panels since its founding in the 1930s. Most circuit breakers are used for use with electric baseboard heaters, air conditioners and fan air heaters when they comply with local codes. Furthermore, each Zinsco breaker is custom-built using a thick design so it can be used in load centres from Zinsco specifically. Some will come along with grounded copper wire which is usually for 120/240-volt capacity drills.

Despite this, Zinsco circuit breakers come in various forms and many of them may not even be directly labelled with a specific Zinsco label. For non-experts, confusion can ensue without expert guidance. To keep any confusion to a minimum, here is how you can identify the breaker type by its unique features.

Zinsco breaker types

Zinsco breaker types are either single pole or 3-pole. Single pole circuit breakers have one grounding screw and one circuit breaker terminal. The third terminal is used to ground the line. 3-pole circuit breakers have three terminals: aground, a hotline, and a neutral line. These breakers are commonly used in heavy-duty applications where more than three circuits are being run at once.

The thickness of zinsco breakers is also an important factor to consider when looking for the right type of circuit breaker for your needs. Thick circuit breakers have thicker steel that can withstand higher temperatures from overloading and fires alike without letting go of its hold on the circuit.

Voltage rating

Another feature to watch out for is the voltage rating of the circuit breaker. There are different voltage ratings for each type of breaker. For example, a single-pole breaker may have a 15 amp rating while a 3-pole breaker may have a 30-amp rating.

Size of the circuit breaker

Another thing to consider is the size of the circuit breaker. The size of the circuit breaker is measured in inches and has to do with how far it can reach into the panel before it will not be able to fit any longer. The smaller circuit breakers are usually used in residential settings while larger ones can be used in industrial applications such as manufacturing facilities or any other heavy-duty locations that require large amounts of power due to usage or production needs.

Types of circuit breaker

Triple-pole circuit breaker

Triple-pole circuit breakers are the most common type of circuit breaker. Also known as GFCI circuit breakers, they are used on the most common circuit that is in a home and are rated at 15 amps. They can be used to switch two or more circuits together without tripping each time one of them is used. They also have built-in fuse protection that stops the power from flowing through if there is an overload or short in the line.

Single-pole circuit breaker

Single-pole circuit breakers are also commonly known as single-pole switches, and they can be found in residential settings such as homes and small offices where only one circuit needs to be switched on at a time. They are also used in large industrial and manufacturing facilities that require multiple circuits to be switched on at once. They are rated at 20 amps and can switch up to four circuits at the same time.

Solid-state circuit breaker

Solid-state circuit breakers are more advanced than the other types of circuit breakers, and they are only used in industrial or commercial settings where higher voltage lines are being switched on. Since solid-state circuit breakers don’t have a fuse, they don’t have to be reset when an overload occurs in the line. They can also be used on commercial buildings’ main power supply lines as well as large equipment such as transformers, motors, or pumps. This type of breaker will require a transformer that is built into it to work.

Circuit breakers are used in the electrical system to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads and short circuits by opening the circuit when there is an overload or a short in the line. Each type of circuit breaker is designed for a specific purpose, and they are rated at a certain number of amps to ensure that they can handle the amount of current that is being passed through them.

The main function of a circuit breaker is to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads or short circuits. They are used in the electrical system to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads or short circuits by opening the circuit when there is an overload or a short in the line.

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DIY vs hiring an expert: Should you fix your own lighting?

Hiring a professional electrician to complete electrical installations, repairs or replacements provides you with a sense of security that the job has been done properly, with lasting results. Although hiring a qualified electrician will guarantee that the job has been done perfectly, there are certain aspects of changing and updating lighting that requires a professional.

Not all lighting jobs necessarily require a qualified electrician to complete. If you feel confident in your DIY skills, there are a few minor electrical projects that you can perform yourself in your home that could save you both time and money. However, if the project you’re looking to undertake is something like wiring a ceiling light, this should be completed by a qualified electrician if you have never undertaken a task like it before.

If you’re thinking of fixing any lighting fixtures in your home, here are just a few tips to know what’s possible to do yourself, and what will require an expert.

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Replacing light fittings

Even if you’re not a certified electrician, replacing a simple light fitting is one of the few electrical projects you can do in your home. Fortunately, there are numerous videos and articles which will take you through step by step on how to change a light fitting. As long as you have the correct tools on hand, this is quite a simple task that does not take up too much of your time.

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Installing outdoor lighting

If you want to brighten up the exterior of your home by adding outdoor or garden lights, this has to be completed by a qualified electrician. This project falls under the Part P of the Building Regulations in the UK, meaning that jobs that fall under this umbrella should not be carried out by anyone besides a Part P certified technician.

Changing light switches or sockets

As functional items, most light switches tend to be basic in style, mainly made from white plastic they can look slightly plain, especially in a uniquely decorated room. Simply switching to a more decorative looking switch could be the perfect finishing touch for your home. Alternatively, you can update a current switch to one that provides multi-way control if you have a more open-plan space, or for your hallway and stairwell. Changing the light switch is a simple procedure that can be done by yourself, with the help of a few online videos if needed.

Aside from being a job that you can perform yourself, you can also purchase any parts needed from most online electrical wholesalers. Sites such as Expert Electrical provide a vast range of products from cables, switches, sockets, circuit protections and consumer units.

Rewiring faulty sockets

The reason behind rewiring faulty sockets, and also lights is because they are tripping the fuse. Like installing outdoor lighting, rewiring faulty sockets also requires to be completed by a certified electrician. It might seem easy to ignore a faulty socket, however, if there is a more serious problem behind it, then your property could potentially be at risk of developing an electrical fire.

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Price Points: Electric coffee grinders

Last week, we featured manual coffee grinders; this week, it’s the turn of the electric coffee grinders.

A manual version tends to create coffee grounds that are uneven and medium to coarse; even more so if you’re using a blade one rather than a burr grinder. This is sufficient if you’re using a cafetière, percolator, pour-over brewer or making Vietnamese Phin or cold brew coffee. However, if you’re using a Moka pot or brewing espresso or Turkish coffee, your grind will need to be much finer and uniform in size; this is where an electric coffee grinder comes into its own.

We use our trusty Dualit electric coffee grinder (an earlier model to #2) with our coffee machine, and together they produce a splendid espresso, latte, Americano or flat white. The Dualit grinder above has 10 grind settings. Its conical burr grinder allows for a slow, cool grind, meaning it won’t overheat and burn the coffee as it’s being processed.

The VonShef has stainless steel blades and a small 45 gram capacity (the Dualit has a 250 gram hopper). However, at less than £13 it’s a bargain option. At the other end of the price range is Heston Blumenthal’s Sage. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, this is the one for you! It has 60 grind settings and remembers your size and volume preferences. At that price, I think with our 2 cups per day average, it would take a long time for it to be financially worth the initial outlay.

VonShef 150W coffee grinder: £12.99, Domu
Dualit 75015 coffee grinder – black: £73.63, Amazon
Sage The Smart Grinder Pro coffee bean grinder BCG820UK: £199.99, Lakeland

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