Understanding your energy usage

Here’s a quick overview of the typical running costs for common household appliances. Actual costs can vary depending on the brand, features, and energy efficiency of each appliance. 

You can also work out the exact cost of the appliances in your home by using the Citizens Advice calculator.

• Oven can cost 52p–£1.30 per hour 
• Hob (per ring) can cost 26p–52p per hour 
• Microwave can cost 18p–31p per hour 
• Air fryer can cost 36p–44p per hour 
• Kettle can cost 5–6p per 5-minute boil  
• Toaster can cost 2–3p per 5 minutes  
• Fridge freezer can cost 1–4p per hour  
• Dishwasher can cost 47–78p per cycle

• LED TV can cost 1–3p per hour 
• Soundbar can cost 0.5–5p per hour 
• Games console can cost 2–5p per hour 
• Desktop PC can cost 0.5–16p per hour (depending on use) 
• Router and modem can cost 3–12p per day 

• Bedside lamp (LED) can cost less than 1p per hour 
• Phone charger can cost less than 1p per hour 
• Electric blanket can cost 2–8p per hour 
• Alarm clock can cost less than 1p per day 

• Electric shower can cost £1.82–£2.34 per 10 minutes 
• Hair dryer can cost 5–9p per 10 minutes 
• Electric towel rail can cost 2–5p per hour 

*These costs were calculated in September 2025