Three Appliances Surprising Energy Bill Culprits Revealed

As energy costs continue to rise across Ireland, many households are seeking effective strategies to reduce their monthly bills. While common practices like switching off lights and lowering the heating can contribute to savings, new research highlights three surprising appliances that significantly increase energy consumption. According to data from Energia, the electric shower, immersion heater, and electric heater are the leading offenders, leaving the often-criticized tumble dryer far behind.

Research conducted by Energia reveals that the electric shower tops the list as Ireland’s most expensive household appliance to run. Many individuals may not consider the financial impact of their daily shower routines. The study indicates that an electric shower can cost up to €3.39 per hour, translating to approximately €0.59 for just ten minutes of use. This expense can accumulate quickly, particularly for those who enjoy lengthy hot showers.

In second place is the immersion heater, another appliance responsible for significant energy usage. When left on for extended periods, it can add up to €1.13 per hour to a household’s energy bill. This appliance is easy to overlook, and forgetting to turn it off could lead to substantial costs over time.

The third appliance contributing to increased energy expenses is the electric heater, which costs around €0.94 per hour to operate. As colder weather approaches, many households resort to plug-in heaters for localized warmth without activating central heating. While this method offers convenience, it also results in higher energy costs. Interestingly, the tumble dryer shares the same €0.94 per hour cost, making it less of an energy hog than commonly perceived.

The oven ranks fifth on the list, costing approximately €0.81 per hour, or about €0.27 for a typical 20-minute cooking session. For comparison, an air fryer operates at a lower cost of €0.58 per hour.

Smaller household appliances can also quietly drain energy. For instance, using a hair dryer for an hour can cost around €0.81, while operating a dishwasher for an hour comes to roughly €0.51. Even 30 minutes of vacuuming can add about €0.13 to a household’s energy bill.

On the other hand, some frequently used devices are surprisingly economical. A 55-inch LCD television costs just €0.04 per hour, while a washing machine uses about €0.19 per hour. Additionally, two hours of gameplay on a PlayStation 5 amounts to only €0.14.

Claire Love, an energy expert at Energia, emphasized that many households are unaware of the cumulative costs associated with their daily energy habits. She stated, “Most of us don’t think twice about taking that extra-long hot shower on a cold morning, but some of our energy habits are costing us. Aside from the usual suspects of tumble dryers and dishwashers, even using the oven for an hour can add up over time, so looking at ways you can cut that time down is crucial.”

Energia’s analysis is based on usage data from 20 common household items in Irish homes. The calculations utilized Energia’s Smart Data Plan, which applies a non-discounted day rate of €0.3762 per kilowatt-hour, including VAT. The day rate is applicable from 08:00 to 23:00, excluding peak hours from 17:00 to 19:00, and also includes an annual PSO Levy of €42.25 and a Standing Charge of €236.62.

As energy prices continue to climb, consumers are encouraged to evaluate their habits and consider the impact of each appliance in their homes. Tracking energy consumption can lead to more informed decisions and ultimately help households manage their expenses more effectively.