Top tips to save energy and money in the kitchen

Many appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, have ‘eco’ or low energy modes, so opt for these modes frequently to save more energy.

You can save around £12 a year in Great Britiain (GB) and £15 in Northern Ireland (NI) just by using your washing machine more carefully. Wash at 30 degrees and reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year.

Only run your dishwasher when it’s full to reduce the amount of water you use. Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week could save you £12 in GB and £15 in NI.

Avoid using a tumble dryer for your clothes. Dry clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather to save £50 a year in GB and £60 in NI.

Replace traditional and halogen lightbulbs with energy efficient LEDs. Across an average house this should save £40 a year in GB and £50 in NI.

Microwaves are more efficient than ovens at cooking, as they only heat the food and not the air space inside. For more information, see our guide to microwave vs oven for cooking.

Your dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer will all eat up electricity when left on standby. Save around £45 a year in GB and £55 in NI just by turning your appliances off standby mode.

Fridges and freezers are switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it’s worth finding energy efficient models. Choosing a smaller fridge will use less energy than a larger fridge with the same energy rating – so consider whether you need that giant fridge-freezer!