PRICES are still pretty high so it's handy to know how much your household appliances cost to run.

Very few of us actually like doing the washing up, so most choose to use a dishwasher because it's easier and less hassle.

Household bills are generally lower during the summer months as there is no need to use the tumble dryer or have the heating on.

But have you ever thought how much running a dishwasher could be costing you?

Here, we explain how much it costs to run your dishwasher.

How much am I paying to run my dishwasher?

The average dishwasher uses between 1.2kWh and 1.5kWh per load, according to research by Compare The Market.

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Research by the Energy Saving Trust found the appliance contributes to 8% of your overall electricity bill.

The price to run a single cycle is roughly 24p under the current price cap, though this will fall again in October.

It is currently £2,074 a year on average, but will fall to £1,923 from October 1.

However, just because bills are falling doesn't mean they're still extremely high.

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Here are some ways to cut dishwasher costs and we've listed them.

Is it not cheaper to wash by hand?

Modern dishwashers use much less water than washing by hand – so they should be cheaper to run and better for the environment.

Research by Compare The Market has shown that a single dishwasher cycle costs the same in energy and water as turning the hot water tap on for six to nine minutes, or filling up four to six washing-up bowls.

On average, washing your dishes by hand uses four times as much warm water as putting the same number of items in the dishwasher.

To maximise the efficiency of your dishwasher and cut costs, just make sure you fill it up before you get it going.

What support is available if you're struggling?

Extra help includes a £900 payment for millions on certain benefits including Universal Credit and a £150-£300 top-up for millions of pensioners.

The £900 has been split into three instalments of £301, £300 and £299.

Over eight million people are eligible for the help in total and should have received the first instalment in June.

The second and third instalments are due to be paid this autumn and in spring 2024.

You qualify for the payments if you receive the following benefits:

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Meanwhile, the remaining payment is worth £150-£300 and will be made to millions of pensioners from November.

You will receive the payment if you qualify for this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which you will get if you were born before September 25, 1957.

The money is essentially a top up to the Winter Fuel Payment which is designed to cover the costs of heating over the colder months.

You will be sent a letter from the Government next month, or November if you are eligible for the £150-£300 top up.

You might also be able to get help via the Household Support Fund.

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The help is being distributed by councils in England and what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live.

But, in most cases, you will be in line for support if you are on a low income or benefits.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

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