How to reduce your energy bills and the mistakes to avoid

Amid the rising cost of living, households across the country are looking for creative ways to cut their energy wastage and save a penny or two.

To help Brits make the most of their appliance, AEG has conducted a nationwide study of 2,000 people into the UK's energy habits.

The study analyses individual behaviours, knowledge and attitudes towards appliance usage in the home.

How you can reduce your energy bills

The new research revealed that almost three-quarters of Brits (73%) are now more aware of wasting energy due to rising household costs.

Here are four common mistakes many households are making and top tips and tricks to cut their energy bills from appliance Product Specialist, Michael Forbes.

One in five Brits have never defrosted their fridge freezer

The survey revealed that one in five Brits (19%) have never defrosted their freezer - something that could be raising their household electrical consumption and bills.

Since large amounts of ice build-up can restrict the airflow inside the appliance, the fan has to work a lot harder to keep the temperature cool.

In turn, this increases energy usage as well as decreases the shelf life of freezer food.

Here's how often you should be defrosting your freezer and what temperature your fridge should be so that they are running efficiently. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

How often should I defrost my freezer?

Michael Forbes, Product Specialist, AEG, recommends that users defrost their freezers at least once a year to avoid any excessive ice build-up resulting in the appliance overworking.

Despite this recommendation, 40% of Brits leave it longer than a year before taking the icy plunge.

On average, Brits throw out 14% of their weekly food shop due to food going out of date according to AEG's study.

Michael Forbes commented: “Placing food in the centre of the fridge shelf helps keep everything tasting fresher for longer and can prolong the lifespan of those often-wasted products.”

Over a third of Brits don’t know what temperature their fridge should be

To prevent your fridge from overworking and hiking up your energy bills, it needs to be set at the correct temperature.

Previous studies from AEG highlighted that 37% of Brits don’t know what temperature their fridges should be.

What temperature should my fridge be at?

Experts at AEG advise that the average household fridge should be at a near constant temperature between 0°C and 5°C.

Michael Forbes added: “It’s natural for your fridge temperature to fluctuate a little between these values particularly when being opened and closed a lot.

"Another contentious reason for your fridge temperature to increase, is if you are to add any warm leftovers inside.” Forbes continues.

AEG has conducted a nationwide study of the UK's energy habits, looking at individual behaviours, knowledge and attitudes towards appliance usage in the home. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

If you store your food correctly, it not only improves its efficiency and its energy consumption but also helps your food to last longer too.

40% of Brits are still washing their clothes at 40c or more

Many laundry detergents are now suitable for use at 20 degrees to better so that they have a better environment 

Despite this fact, 40% of Brits are still washing their laundry at 40 degrees and over, with the worst culprits being those aged between 16 and 25, according to the study.

However, those aged 55 and over are making an active effort in keeping their wash cold, as 58% of them are washing their clothes at 30 degrees.

The 30-degree rule is being broken for towels and bedding with a quarter of Brits (25%) always washing these at a higher temperature.

The research reported that a further one in five Brits (20%) believe that by washing their clothes at higher temperatures, their garments will be cleaner.

AEG says that cooler settings on washing machines are cheaper to run because the cooler the wash, the less energy is needed to heat the water.

Running a wash on as low as 30 degrees will not only save money but leave clothes feeling equally fresh, all while preserving fabrics for clothes to last longer.

16% of Brits don’t take any measures to maintain their appliances

These days, appliances may be built to be more durable and longer lasting.

However, with proper care and maintenance, they will not only be more efficient, but their operational lifespans will be longer too.

The survey reported that 16% of Brits do not take any measures to maintain their appliances despite expert recommendations.

Not only could this be adding to household bills, but this could also be shortening the lifespan of millions of appliances.

How often should I be cleaning my washing machine and oven?

AEG also recommends that the inside of a washing machine should be wiped clean on a weekly basis to avoid residue build-up.

The data revealed that two in five Brits (42%) do in fact regularly deep clean their washing machines as well cleaning out their tumble dryer filter.

Experts agree that a home oven should be cleaned on average every 3 months to ensure food quality is kept at its best.

Although one of the most important appliances in the home, only a third of Brits (36%) are regularly cleaning their ovens, according to AEG's research.

Your Money Matters

Your Money Matters is a campaign launched by us and our sister titles across Newsquest to help you overcome the surge in the cost of living.

This year has seen a whole host of household price increases — from the energy price cap rise to surging inflation and food prices — costing your family hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra per year.

We’re making it our mission to look out for your cash, offering money-saving deals, competitions, giveaways and insightful stories from your community on the impact this cost-of-living crisis is having on our readers.

The worldwide energy crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine invasion, the financial impact of the Covid pandemic, record inflation figures and a surge in the cost of goods, fuel and travel means we will all feel the pinch.

Through our newspaper, we want to do what we can to help make your cash go further because we know your money matters.