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Money saving 17 APR 2026 4 min read

Cutting costs at home: 5 ways to make your appliances work smarter

In today’s economy, finding ways to trim expenses and keep energy bills manageable is a top priority.

Cutting costs at home: 5 ways to make your appliances work smarter

Household appliances are among the biggest energy consumers in UK homes — but small changes to how you use them can trim your bills by hundreds of pounds a year.

1. Wash smart, not hot. Turning your washing machine down from 40°C to 30°C uses around 40% less energy per cycle. Modern detergents are designed for cold and warm washes, so your clothes still come out clean.

2. Only run full loads. A half-empty dishwasher uses roughly the same energy as a full one. Wait until it’s full before pressing start, or use the eco or half-load setting.

3. Descale the kettle. A build-up of limescale forces your kettle to boil harder and longer. Descale every few months with white vinegar or a shop-bought descaler.

4. Keep the freezer at −18°C. Any colder and you’re just wasting energy. Defrost regularly to keep it running efficiently.

5. Get a service. An annual service on your boiler or heating system keeps everything running efficiently, catches small issues early, and can add years to your appliance’s life.

At Domestic Home Services, our maintenance service plans include repair support in line with your plan Terms & Conditions — so your appliances get looked after and you avoid surprise bills.

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