How much does it cost to run your appliances? We did the maths.

Energy is something we’d all love to use less of right now. But where do you begin, and how do you know the cost of running everything? It’s not just the obvious appliances, like your washing machine and cooker – what about your laptops, smart speaker, TV, or printer? All these appliances might seem overwhelming, but we can help you figure out how much they cost to run.

Power Rating

Every appliance has a power rating, usually in watts (W) Or kilowatts (kW) - a fancy way of saying 1,000 Watts. This is the amount of electricity it needs to work; the amount of electricity is actually uses depends on how long it’s used for.

So, how do you figure this out? Well, this is where we do a little bit of maths. Don't worry, it's pretty simple. All you have to do is multiply the wattage your appliance uses by the amount of time it’s on for, and then add the cost in electricity. Electricity is sold by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). In other words: W + time + kWh = cost of running the appliance. If you have a 2100W (2.1 kW) washing machine and you run it for an hour, it’ll use 2.1kWh of electricity in that hour. If electricity costs 34p per unit, multiply 2.1kWh by 34p and you get a grand total of 71p. Bingo, that's how much your washing machine costs per hour.

Energy Rating

All appliances are given an energy rating, so you know how efficient they are. They range from A which is the cheapest to run, to G which is more expensive. If you're curious about energy labels, we’ve put together a handy guide to help.

It’s also worth noting that older machines tend to be less energy efficient, so it might be worth upgrading to a new model if you’ve had a washer for more than 10 years. To help you find out how much your new appliance will cost to run, our clever tool, YourEko, makes things easier. This will be displayed alongside Dishwashing, laundry and cooling items on our website.

What is YourEko and how does it work?

It’s an energy savings tool on the AO website which makes it easy to spot energy-efficient appliances when you're shopping. YourEko provides 3 key highlights of energy efficient products. These are:

Energy Savings.

We show how much a product will save in energy costs compared to the least efficient like for like model in the market.

Ratings.

We give products a gold, silver or bronze rating based on their energy savings.

Recommendations.

We provide recommendations based on energy savings that have a clear financial benefit, for example an alternative product may be £20 more, but costs £170 less to run, leaving £150 in your pocket.

How to use YourEko

When you’re searching for a new appliance, the YourEko sign will show whether it’s a gold, silver or bronze-rated model. And that’s not all, you can even click on this and YourEko will display alternatives that are cheaper to run than the model you selected. All you have to do is fill in how often you’ll use the appliance along with your current tariff. From there you'll be able to compare to other appliances and find some savvy savings on those energy bills. Now you've got the insider knowledge to work out just how much it costs to run your appliances. So, you can start saving at home and know what to look out for next time you're shopping for electricals.

Top money-saving tips

Wash at 30°C

Most everyday laundry doesn't need a scorching hot wash. Dropping the temperature to 30°C can help cut down the electricity used by each cycle, giving your energy bill a helping hand.

Only run full loads

If the washing basket's only half full, it might be worth holding off a little longer. Fewer washes use less energy and make the most of every spin.

Use off-peak hours

Some energy tariffs offer lower rates when demand is quieter. Running appliances during these off-peak periods can help take a little sting out of your bills.

Choose eco programmes

Eco settings might take a little longer, but they're designed to use less electricity and water along the way. That means lower energy use without having to change your routine.

Track your usage

Keeping an eye on your energy use can make it easier to spot what's driving up your bills. Many suppliers offer handy apps that let you track your spending and usage in just a few taps.

Keep filters clean

Clogged filters can make appliances work harder and use more energy. A quick clean every so often can help keep everything running smoothly.

Understanding your energy bills

What's the difference between being in credit and debit?

Think of your energy account a bit like a piggy bank. Being in credit means you've paid in more than you've used, giving you a handy cushion for those colder months when energy use tends to creep up. Being in debit means you've used more energy than you've paid for, so there may be a shortfall to make up through future bills or higher monthly payments.

Keeping tabs on your balance makes it easier to avoid surprises and make sure your payments still match how much energy your household typically uses. Many suppliers also offer apps and online accounts, making it easy to see where your money's going and how much energy you're using throughout the year.

Make the most of your energy tariff

Your energy bill isn't just about how much electricity you use, it's also about when you use it. Some suppliers offer tariffs, rewards and off-peak rates that could help cut the cost of running appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers. It's well worth seeing what's available, as a small change to when you put a load on could make a noticeable difference over time.

Things to look out for

Off-peak tariffs

Cheaper electricity rates aren't always limited to the middle of the night. Many suppliers offer lower-cost periods throughout the day, making it a great time to put energy-hungry appliances to work while the rates are lower. A little planning could help you get more from your tariff and a little less from your bills.

Free-electricity tariffs

It pays to know what's included with your tariff. Some suppliers occasionally offer free or discounted electricity during selected periods, giving you the perfect excuse to get through that mountain of laundry or finally tackle the dishwasher. If you're lucky enough to have access to one, it's a simple way to make certain household jobs a little kinder on your wallet.

Weekend saver schemes

Weekends can sometimes bring more than just a lie-in. Some suppliers offer lower energy rates on weekends or specific periods of the week, helping you make a little more of your tariff. Shifting your routine around a bit could help shave a few pounds off your energy bills over time.

Smart meter rewards

Some energy suppliers will reward you for using less electricity during busy periods when demand is high. It might mean delaying a wash cycle or waiting a little longer to switch on the dishwasher, but in return you could earn rewards or reduce your overall energy costs.

Energy tracking apps

Understanding your energy use has never been easier. Many suppliers now offer apps that show your daily usage, estimated costs and account balance all in one place. They're a handy way to spot energy-hungry habits, keep tabs on spending and understand exactly where your money's going, all from the comfort of your sofa.