As a tenant, it’s natural to want to make your home as comfortable as possible without facing sky-high energy bills. While heating still accounts for the largest share of a typical household's energy usage (around 40%), many everyday appliances can significantly add to your costs. Understanding which ones use the most energy, and how to use them more efficiently, can make a real difference.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the following breakdown shows where much of your electricity spend goes:

• Washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers: 14%
• Fridges and freezers: 13%
• Electronics (TVs, laptops, etc.): 6%
• Lighting: 5%

Let’s take a closer look at typical appliance running costs and practical ways to cut back.

High-Energy Appliances (Red Category)

These are the biggest contributors to your bill, usually because they generate heat.

🔴 Top 5 Appliances Driving Up Your Energy Costs

Smart Tips:

• Keep showers under 4 minutes. Use music playlists to help track time.
• Cook efficiently, try using the hob or microwave instead of the oven where possible.
• Prepare your home for winter early to reduce the need for portable heaters.

Medium-Energy Appliances (Amber Category)

These appliances use a moderate amount of energy, but frequent use can add up quickly.

Smart Tips:

• Always wash full loads on eco-settings.
• Use a bowl when washing up by hand to save water and energy.
• Switch to A-rated appliances when replacing items, e.g. an A-rated dishwasher can cost half as much to run as a G-rated one.

Lower-Energy Appliances (Green Category)

These appliances cost the least to run but still contribute over time.

Smart Tips:

• Choose smaller screen sizes for TVs if possible, they use less power.
• Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle.
• Use LED bulbs, they consume 80% less energy than halogen.

Energy-Efficient Choices When Replacing Appliances

When your appliances need replacing, it pays to check energy labels:

• Fridge-Freezers: An A-rated model can save £360 over its lifetime versus an E-rated one.

Look for the energy rating label and, if that’s not available (e.g. kettles, microwaves), check the power rating (watts).

Habits That Cut Energy Waste

Even small changes to how you use appliances can yield big savings:

• Lower wash temperatures = Lower bills.
• Only run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
• Unplug devices or switch off at the wall when not in use.
• Avoid standby mode, it still consumes electricity.
• Switch to LED lighting.
• Keep your fridge/freezer at optimal temps: 3–5°C (fridge), -18°C (freezer).

For Home Workers & Gamers

• Laptops use 85% less electricity than desktops (~£12/year vs £31/year).
• Tablets cost less than £2 annually to run.
• TV energy use increases with screen size, 55″ TVs use significantly less than 65″ ones.

Think Seasonally

Some appliances, like electric blankets or portable heaters, see heavy seasonal use. Stay mindful of energy habits in both winter and summer. During hotter months, fans and portable air conditioning units can cause spikes in usage.

Final Thought

At Boydens, we know that managing your household costs is key to feeling comfortable in your rented home. By making smart choices, both in terms of appliances and daily habits, you can take control of your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Need more tenant tips or energy-saving advice? Get in touch with your local Boydens branch, our team is here to help you make informed choices and feel right at home.