Many of us won't think twice while filling up the kettle to make a cuppa, but a simple oversight could quietly be adding a surprising amount to your bills.

Senior woman making coffee in kitchen

Britons could save themselves a surprising amount with one small change (stock image) (Image: Getty)

A common kettle mistake could be costing Britons almost 50% more than it should on their energy bills, an expert warns. A nice hot cuppa is a classic British staple and has been the comfort amid life's ups and downs for centuries.

But while many of us won't think twice while filling up the kettle to boil it, a simple oversight could quietly be adding a surprising amount to your energy consumption. According to electrical and solar installations firm Wolf River Electric a wopping 61% of Britons admit to overfilling their kettles when boiling water for a cup of tea and an energy consultant at the company, Justin Nielsen, explains that a simple change could save you almost £40 annually.

If you're consuming five to six cups a day, the extra water can quickly add up, the company said, explaining that overfilling the kettle by just half a cup each time, could add £39.62 to the typical £84 a year that racks up boiling a kettle.

Kettle with a boiling water

Overfilling by just half a cup could add could add £39.62 to your bill, the firm says (Image: Getty)

The rise from around £84 to £123.62 means many will potentially be spending an extra 47% per year unccessarily.

Taking a moment to work out how much you'll actually need means you won't be needlessly extending the boiling time, saving money and also lessening the impact on the planet.

Regular descaling can also help you save as kettles have to work harder to boil when limescale accumulates within them over time, the firm says.

Mr Nielsen says using kettles with "low minimum-fill lines and promptly descaling them can result in noticeable energy savings". 

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Wolf River electric says a small oversights with other domestic appliances can also add unneccessary costs.

These include overfilling the washing machine, setting the the tumble dryer going it’s not full, and leaving lights on.

Mr Nielsen says: “We’ve all been guilty at times of leaving the lights on or overfilling the kettle, but it’s important to remember that these habits can all add hundreds of pounds a year to our bills."

Meanwhile, homeowners are raving about a low cost method to rid your kettle of limescale that doesn't involve harsh chemicals or white vinegar, and could cost as little as 20p.