As households brace for higher winter energy costs following the 1 October price cap adjustment, experts say simple changes to how we use everyday appliances could make a meaningful difference. The advice lands just as Rachel Reeves pledges an average £150 reduction in household bills as part of her Autumn Budget measures, an announcement welcomed by millions looking for practical ways to manage spending during the colder months.
A spokesperson for premium appliance brand AEG has outlined a series of small but effective hacks that can help families reduce consumption without compromising comfort or performance.
Keep Your Fridge Full
According to AEG, the humble fridge is one of the easiest places to cut energy waste. “A full fridge uses less energy than an empty one,” the spokesperson explained. Food works as natural insulation, reducing how much cold air escapes when the door opens. For anyone with empty shelves, even filling gaps with water bottles can help stabilise internal temperatures and lower electricity use.
Defrost Overnight
Instead of turning to the microwave, households are encouraged to defrost frozen food overnight in the fridge. “It gently thaws your meals while simultaneously helping to cool the fridge, meaning the appliance doesn’t need to work as hard,” the spokesperson said. The method is not only energy-efficient but also safer for food handling.
Clean Filters Regularly
Clogged filters remain one of the most overlooked culprits behind rising energy consumption. AEG warns that dirty washing machine or tumble dryer filters can increase energy usage by up to 30%. A monthly clean of detergent drawers, door seals and filters helps appliances run more efficiently, while tumble dryer lint filters should be cleared after every use.
Choose Eco Settings
Many modern household appliances include eco modes, settings specifically designed to use less energy without compromising results. “Eco cycles wash at lower temperatures for longer, reducing the energy needed to heat water,” AEG noted. Dishwashers on eco settings also use less water and electricity while delivering the same cleaning performance.
Batch Cook for Efficiency
Batch cooking isn’t just a time-saver, it can dramatically cut energy bills. “An oven uses the same amount of energy whether it’s cooking one dish or several,” the spokesperson said. Preparing multiple meals at once, then refrigerating or freezing them, can significantly reduce oven use across the week.
Use the Right-Sized Appliance
From kettles to ovens, choosing the correct size for the task can avoid unnecessary waste. “Boiling a full kettle for just one cup of tea is inefficient,” the AEG expert explained. For smaller meals or snacks, microwaves, slow cookers and air fryers typically consume far less energy than traditional ovens.
Maintain Optimal Temperatures
Incorrect appliance temperatures can quietly inflate bills. AEG recommends setting fridges between 3–5°C and freezers at -18°C, noting that each degree colder than necessary can increase energy use by around 5%. A simple fridge thermometer can help households check that settings are accurate.
Load Appliances Properly
How you load appliances matters more than many realise. Overpacking washing machines prevents proper cleaning, while underloading wastes water and electricity. Dishwashers should be fully loaded too, with AEG advising a simple scrape rather than pre-rinsing to save both water and time.
The AEG spokesperson emphasised that these small, zero-cost adjustments can add up to noticeable savings during the winter months.
“Regular maintenance and mindful usage help appliances work more efficiently, saving both energy and money while extending lifespan,” they said. “It’s about making smart changes that fit easily into everyday life.”
With energy bills remaining a key pressure point for millions this winter, despite government intervention, practical steps like these may offer households some much-needed relief.
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