Cleaning these items could save up to £800 each year (Picture: Getty)
Sky-high energy bills are a concern this time of year, but did you know that keeping a few key appliances in your home clean could save you up to £800 in energy consumption?
With the average 3-bedroom home shelling out approximately £1960 for energy consumption each year, Google Trend data has reflected a 35% increase in searches for the term ‘money saving ideas’ in the last month alone.
And now, experts from Cut My reveal the household appliances you can clean to save yourself up to £800 per year in energy.
Radiators
Dusty radiators are a no-no, too. Dust and grime can actually act as insulators and trap heat around the device rather than releasing it so it can circulate around the room. Inside a 3-bed house, cleaning these could save up to £300 per year.
‘Clean by turning off your central heating and put a towel underneath the radiator to catch any debris that falls through the radiator,’ the experts suggest.
‘Insert a vacuum hose into the radiator and start removing the build-up of dust. Use a radiator brush or a long stick duster to push out any dirt and dust that is hard to reach.’
Dehumidifiers
Ready to save approximately £219 per year? Don’t overlook the filter inside your trusty dehumidifier – letting all that grime stay stagnant inside can reduce its efficiency, forcing it to work harder and longer.
‘Regular dusting around the unit and minimising humidity by using extractor fans or opening windows can help maintain its effectiveness,’ the experts suggest.
Fridge freezers
This one makes a smaller difference, but every little helps. Cleaning and dusting the coils at the back of the fridge can save up to £20 a year and ‘slash energy consumption by up to 30%,’ experts outline.
And ensuring that the freezer is periodically defrosted can also slash energy bills, saving up to £20 per year.
Windows
Keeping your windows shiny not only allows more light in – it encourages heat to enter your home, too. Windows that are south-facing can attract up to 2KW of heat energy, and if they’re double-glazed, clean windows can reduce heat loss by a whopping 65%.
This could see temperatures in that room increase by as much as 4C – and save as much as £130 per year.
Cleaning mould off your windows? Don’t make this common mistake
A popular cleaning hack on TikTok is seeing people put Fairy Liquid on their windows in a bid to form a barrier, thus stopping water droplets from settling and forming condensation.
But cleaning experts have warned against this practice, arguing that this could facilitate damp and mould, both of which can damage the walls and furniture.
‘This can act as a barrier and trap moisture on surfaces instead of allowing it to evaporate. Surfaces may not be designed for long-term exposure to Fairy Liquid either, which means it could impact their overall condition and aesthetics,’ Emily Barron, cleaning expert at Property Rescue, explains.
Washing machines
That’s right – scrubbing the washing machine can save up to £30 each year.
‘A dirty washing machine not only leads to extra cycles but can also transfer accumulated grime onto your clothes, necessitating additional washes,’ the experts advise.
‘Regularly cleaning the washing machine filter and running hot cycles with white vinegar every 6 – 8 weeks can prevent this, potentially saving you money in bills and costly repairs.’
Vacuum cleaners
Cleaning this trusty household item sweeps in the lowest savings at £5 each year, but a little goes a long way. Regularly emptying the vacuum cleaner and cleaning the brushes are key acts in maintaining its efficiency. If the dust chamber is full, then that’ll reduce its performance – leaving it running for longer and potentially racking up a higher energy bill.
Kettles
Ready for a cuppa? Each boil can cost an average of 25p (depending on your brand of kettle), and with the average device boiled four times daily, costs can rack up. Keeping this essential item clean could save up to £20 per year.
‘Limescale build-up inside the kettle affects its efficiency, requiring more boils to reach the desired temperature,’ the experts explain.
‘Cleaning it with a solution of 1-part white vinegar and 3-parts water, boiling and letting it to soak overnight can help restore its functionality.’
More: Trending
Air fryers
Finally, the kitchen appliance that’s got everyone sharing their favourite recipes: the trusty air fryer. Keeping this trendy device clean could see savings of up to £50 per year.
‘A clean basket avoids unnecessary prolongation of cooking times, ultimately saving energy over the long run,’ the experts advise. ‘With average cooking times of just 30 minutes, any longer and you could be spending an extra £20 – £50 a year on energy bills.’
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Rubber gloves at the ready.