One in Three UK Households Limit Appliance Use Amid Energy Cost Surge

One in Three UK Households Limit Appliance Use Amid Energy Cost Surge
Rising energy costs have become the top environmental concern for UK households, with one in three now restricting how often they use home appliances to cut bills, according to Beko’s Smart Living Index 2026.

The research, one of the largest global sustainability studies across 12 countries, reveals that 62% of UK consumers now air-dry laundry instead of using tumble dryers, and 58% hand-wash dishes to avoid running dishwashers. Many believe manual methods are cheaper, though experts note modern energy-efficient appliances often save more long-term.

A significant trust gap remains for smart appliances: only 17% of UK households trust AI-powered devices to handle chores. Top barriers include high upfront costs and data privacy worries, preventing full use of automated features that could boost efficiency.

“Consumers are feeling the pinch, but many miss out on built-in savings from smart, efficient appliances,” said a Beko sustainability spokesperson. “Simple upgrades like energy-labeled models and smart scheduling can cut usage without sacrificing convenience.”

The index also found that while many global consumers prefer health-focused appliances, UK buyers prioritize cost over smart features, shifting market demand toward budget-friendly, high-efficiency models.