Mail Online

Defrost and descale to cut costs

HERE are some other ways to slash the cost of using household appliances:

Defrost the freezer. Ice builds up over time that makes the freezer or ice compartment in your fridge work less efficiently – and more electricity is required to keep the temperature down due to a thick layer of frosting. A defrost can double the efficiency. If you have two large units – double fridge and separate freezer – you may save £100 a year on the energy bill.

Descale appliances. Limescale builds up on heating appliances – such as on kettles, washing machines and dishwashers – clogging up the elements. Using a 50p sachet of descaler, or alternatively lemon juice or white vinegar, can knock as much as £50 a year off the cost of running these appliances.

Check for broken seals. Rubber seals that lock the hot air in ovens and cool air in fridges and freezers can perish over time, leaving the appliances 25 per cent less efficient. You could save up to £100 per appliance every year by fixing broken seals. Replacement seals typically cost from £10.

Look for a blue flame. A gas hob should have a clean blue flame – indicating a temperature of at least 1,960 degrees centigrade. If there is a flicker of yellow or red, it may not be reaching top temperatures and is therefore running less efficiently. Clean the appliance and consider calling in experts if there is little improvement.

Wealth & Personal Finance

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2023-01-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

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