From 1 October 2026, the energy price cap is £1,723 a year for a typical dual-fuel household. Gas unit rates are up around 8%, which means every appliance that uses electricity or gas now costs more to run.
If you are trying to keep your bill down this winter, knowing which appliances use the most energy is the fastest win.
Here is what costs the most in 2026 and what you can do today.
1. Tumble Dryer — £90 to £140 a year
A tumble dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to run because it combines heating + motor for 1-2 hours per cycle.
At the October 2026 cap, a typical 2-hour cycle costs around 45-60p. Two loads a week = £90+ a year.
Save: Air-dry when you can, use an indoor heated airer with cover (£15-20 a year to run), don’t over-dry clothes. This also prevents shrinkage — as we explained on TheInfoBoard.
Read:Broadband Social Tariffs UK 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
2. Electric Heater / Fan Heater — £2+ per day
A 2kW fan heater costs around 50p per hour at the new cap. Four hours an evening = £2 a day, £60 a month.
It is far more expensive than central heating for a whole house.
Save: Use central heating on thermostat 18-19C rather than individual fan heaters. Draught-proof doors.
3. Washing Machine — £45 to £70 a year
Not the machine itself, but the hot water. A 60C wash uses 2-3x more than a 30C wash.
Save: Wash at 30C with modern detergents, full loads only, 800-1000 spin to reduce dryer time.
4. Fridge-Freezer — £65 to £110 a year (always on)
It runs 24/7. If it is old, too close to the wall, or the seals are damaged, it uses more.
Common fault: Fridge not cold enough because seals are broken or ventilation blocked — it then runs constantly.
Save: Leave 5-10cm gap behind, clean coils, check door seal with paper test, set fridge to 3-4C, freezer to -18C.
5. Kettle — £50 to £80 a year (but you control it)
An average UK household boils the kettle 4-5 times a day. Overfilling is the killer.
Save: Only boil what you need, descale regularly. If you have limescale — we have a guide on TheInfoBoard: How to Remove Limescale From a Kettle — limescale makes kettles use more energy.
6. Oven — £70 to £110 a year
A 2.5kW electric oven for 1 hour = ∼60p. Air fryer for same meal = ∼20p.
Save: Use air fryer or microwave for small meals. Don’t preheat longer than needed.
Read:Warm Home Discount October 2026: Who Gets £150 Off Energy Bills Automatically and What to Do If You Don’t
Appliance Checklist for October 2026
- Tumble dryer: Switch to air-drying 2 loads per week = save ~£45 before January
- Washing machine: Drop to 30C = save 30-40% per wash
- Fridge-freezer: Check seals and ventilation today
- Kettle: Don’t overfill — biggest easy win
- Fan heater: Avoid for background heat
- Oven: Use air fryer where possible
How This Links to Your Bills
At £1,723 cap, a household can save £150-£200 a year just by changing how appliances are used — same amount as the Warm Home Discount.
If you receive Universal Credit or other benefits, also check our guides:
- Warm Home Discount October 2026: Who Gets £150 Automatically
- Broadband Social Tariffs UK 2026
And use the Household Bills Command Centre to track appliance costs, bills and direct debits in one workbook.
[…] Read:Which Home Appliances Cost the Most to Run After the October 2026 Price Cap? […]