Kitchens are the heart of our homes, but they can also be responsible for big increases in our energy bills. Whether you’re washing the dishes, doing the laundry or making a meal, there are ways that you can save energy and reduce your bills – whether it’s through smarter ways to wash or more energy-efficient ways to cook.
While washing dishes by hand may sound like a more sustainable option, you’re actually likely to use around three times more water than if you use a dishwasher. It’s also important to only pop the dishwasher on once it’s full, as a half-load uses the same amount of energy as a full load. Also, remember that economy settings can maximise energy efficiency.
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A full load on economy setting makes the most of your dishwasher
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Get logical with your laundry
As with the dishwasher, washing machines use the same amount of energy whether they’re full or only have one item in, so whenever possible, save your laundry up until you have a full load. Modern detergents are also more effective at killing bacteria, which means that in most cases, washing at 30 degrees is enough to get things clean – and can reduce your energy usage and bills.
If you’re replacing or upgrading your white goods, do some research on the technology available to make your kitchen or utility room more energy efficient. Modern developments cover everything from fridges with special humidity zones for fresher fruit and veg, to smart washing machines that use sensors to automatically measure the right amount of detergent and water needed for each load.
Re-use the heat you produce
Turn down the heating thermostat while you’re cooking, and once you’ve finished using the oven, open the door to let the residual heat into the room to warm it through.
Heat from your oven can help warm the kitchen after cooking
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While replacing white goods is undeniably an expense, replacing those with a low energy efficiency rating with models rated at the top of the scale can mean significant reductions in running costs over time – and they could even end up paying for themselves in the long run.
Reasons to shop at Currys
There’s a wide range of resources and services available to help you find affordable energy-efficient products
- Beyond Techspectations: Whether you’re browsing in store or shopping online, you can call on the support of one of Currys’ 38,000 tech experts. This army of helpers are clued up on all the latest products and can answer any questions you might have. The online Shop Live service even allows you to video call a Currys tech expert for advice
- Pay at your pace: Being financially prepared for big purchases isn’t always possible, so Currys offers a flexible payment option with a 29.9 per cent (variable) rate*
- Recycling service: Don’t worry about the hassle of getting rid of old products. Currys is the UK’s top e-waste recycler and can pick them up and recycle them when they deliver your new appliance. There’s also a free in-store recycling service called Cash For Trash: take in unwanted tech and electronics and you’ll get at least £5 off your next eligible purchase with Currys**
- Care and repair: For peace of mind with your new appliance, why not add the Currys Care and Repair plan. You’ll get breakdown support if and when you need it, and if it’s not sorted in seven days, you’ll get a replacement. If it can’t be repaired, or if it develops an electrical or mechanical fault after it’s been repaired twice, you can ask for a Currys voucher to replace it
- Everyone’s a winner: Claim a guaranteed reward between £10 and £10,000 when you buy selected energy-efficient appliances up until 11 March 2025***
To find out more, visit currys.co.uk/energy-efficiency.html
*Credit is subject to status. 18+. Your Personalised APR is determined by the lender, subject to individual circumstances. Minimum spend & exclusions apply. Late fees/charges may apply to missed payments and impact your credit file. Currys Group Limited is a credit broker under exclusive arrangements with the lender Creation Consumer Finance Ltd. Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
**GB only. Minimum £25 spend to redeem voucher. T&Cs apply
***UK 18+ only. Buy selected energy-efficient appliances from 29 January to 11 March 2025. Claim 32-42 calendar days post-purchase. One entry per itemised receipt. T&Cs apply
It’s not just your large appliances that can impact energy usage – energy-saving lighting options such as LED bulbs can be cheaper to use and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Installing dimmer switches can reduce energy consumption even further.
Get smart with energy consumption
Having a smart meter installed can change how you understand your energy usage and help you to identify the changes that have the biggest impact, which is especially important in rooms used the most, like the kitchen.
Remembering to switch devices off at the plug could save you up to £45 a year, so don’t be tempted to leave things on standby.
Stay cool with the right positioning
Maintaining your fridge and freezer is the most effective way to keep them running at their most efficient. If your model isn’t frost-free, you should defrost chest freezers at least once or twice a year and upright models two or three times a year. Clean the cooling coils behind your fridge every 12 months while also ensuring all door seals are airtight.
HAIER HCR7818DNMM American-style fridge freezer, £799
Currys
Clever tech can make your money go further
Look for appliances with energy-saving features
Alongside more efficient habits, the appliances you choose can also affect how much energy you’re using and how much food you’re wasting. The Haier HCR7818DNMM American-style fridge freezer, pictured above, has clever features to help you cut costs. The Total No Frost technology eliminates the need for manual defrosting by providing a more even method of distributing cool air, and the Humidity Zone keeps fruit and veg fresh for longer. Shop now
Drying clothes outside is the cheapest and most energy-efficient option, but it’s not always possible. Heat pump tumble dryers are by far the most efficient choice. Other options such as heated airers and dehumidifiers are all worth looking at too.
Where you put other appliances in relation to your fridge may have more effect on your energy consumption than you realise. Appliances such as dishwashers and ovens expel heat when in use, meaning a neighbouring fridge needs to work harder to keep itself cool. Plus, if fridge and oven doors are opened at the same time, fridge temperature will increase.
Find more bill-busting tech available in store or online at currys.co.uk
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