Are your energy bills too high?
Gas and electricity prices have increased over the last few years. If you feel your bills are too high then contact your utility company or the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 for help. Alternatively have a look at our Web page "No cost/Low cost measures to save energy" where there is a range of ideas to help you save energy.
You can also do a lot for yourself by having a look at the appliances you use the most and working out how much energy they use. The table below will give you an idea of the amount of electricity used by the most common household appliances.
Electricity is sold by the kilowatt-hour (kWh) which is described on your bill as a unit. This means that one unit = 1 kW or 1000w per hour. A 1000w electric fire running for one hour would cost 1 unit of electricity. Similarly a 100watt electric lamp would operate for 10 hours for 1 unit of electricity.
Normally you can find the rating of the appliance as it is shown on the appliance rating panel along with the serial number. The cost of each unit will depend on the Energy Company you get your electricity from and which tariff you are on, so consult your bill carefully to find this out.
Energy consumption oftypical household appliances
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Household appliance
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Units of electricity used
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100w light bulb
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1 unit for 10 hours
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Low Energy Light bulb – 20w
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1 unit for 40 hours
|
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Fluorescent Strip – 40w
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1 unit for over 20 hours
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|
Electric cooker – one weeks meals for family of 4
|
15 units
|
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Cold fill Dishwasher
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2 units per one full load
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|
Upright Freezer
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Approx 1-2 units per day
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Fridge/freezer
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Approx 2 units per day
|
|
Larder Fridge
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Approx 1 unit per day
|
|
Iron
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1 hours use for ½ - 1 unit
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Kettle
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Boil 12 pints for 1 unit
|
|
Shower 7kW
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3-5 min shower every day for 3-4 units per week
|
|
Slow Cooker
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1 unit for 8 hours
|
|
Tumble dryer
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2.5 units for one hour cycle
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Washing Machine
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2.5 units for one hour cycle
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TV 21"
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1 unit for 9-11 hours viewing
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Home Computer
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1 unit for 3 hours
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Battery Charger
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1 unit for 100 hours charging
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Mobile Phone Charger
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1 unit for over 100 battery charges
|
|
Games Console
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1 unit for 3 hours play
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