Guide to running costs

How can I work out how much my appliances are costing me to run?

It’s simple to work out, providing you know the rating of your appliance. This can normally be found on the appliance nameplate (along with its serial number) and in its instruction manual or handbook. The higher the rating (and wattage), the more electricity is used.

For example, a 1kW (1000-watt) heater uses one unit of electricity an hour, whilst a 100-watt light bulb uses 1 unit of electricity every 10 hours.

We help you to save money by taking control of your energy you use. Find out how to make your home more energy-efficient and make big savings by small changes.

Could there be a fault with one of your appliances?

If your bill is higher than expected and you can’t think of any reason for the change (eg having guests to stay or installing new appliances), it’s possible that one of your appliances could be faulty. We'd recommend you arrange for things to be checked over by a qualified electrician so that your running costs get back on track.

Make sure you choose an electrical contractor approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Then you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the work will be done properly and will come with a guarantee.

Your local classifieds directory will have a list of electricians in your area, or you can contact NICEIC for details of approved contractors in your area. Visit the NICEIC website to complete their online form or write to them at:

NICEIC
Vintage House
37 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7UJ