One in three UK households are limiting their use of household appliances as rising energy bills become the country’s leading environmental concern, according to new research from Beko.
Findings from Beko’s Smart Living Index show that energy costs now rank above all other environmental issues for UK consumers. The study found that a third of households are deliberately cutting back on how often they use appliances in an effort to manage household spending, even when those appliances are designed to reduce energy use.
The Smart Living Index is one of the largest global studies of its kind, examining attitudes to energy use, technology and household behaviour across 12 countries. Alongside broader views on sustainability and energy, the research looks at how consumers interact with appliances and smart features in their own homes.
In the UK, the results suggest that concern over energy bills is reshaping everyday routines. Many households are choosing to avoid appliances altogether, believing that manual alternatives will be cheaper and use less energy.
According to the research, 62 percent of UK respondents said they are drying laundry on the line rather than using a tumble dryer. A further 58 percent said they are hand washing dishes instead of using a dishwasher, based on the assumption that these approaches reduce energy costs.
The findings point to a gap between perception and reality when it comes to appliance efficiency. Modern appliances are typically equipped with eco programmes that operate at lower temperatures and use less water and energy over longer cycles. In many cases, these settings can be more efficient than manual methods, particularly when appliances are used correctly.
Despite this, uncertainty about how appliances work appears to be driving behaviour. The research suggests that many households are overlooking built in efficiency features and are instead relying on guesswork when deciding how to reduce energy use.
This lack of confidence extends to newer technologies. The Smart Living Index highlights a significant trust barrier around smart and AI powered appliances. Fewer than one in five UK consumers, just 17 percent, said they trust AI enabled appliances to support household chores.
Concerns over cost remain a major factor. More than half of respondents, 51 percent, cited higher purchase prices as a reason for not using smart or automated features to their full potential. Data privacy and security worries were also common, with 39 percent saying these concerns prevent them from engaging more fully with connected appliance technology.
As a result, many households are choosing caution over convenience. Rather than relying on the guidance and automation available through modern appliances, they are scaling back use altogether or reverting to manual alternatives, even when this may not deliver the intended savings.
Teresa Arbuckle, Regional Managing Director for UK and Ireland at Beko, said the findings reflect the pressure households are under as energy bills continue to weigh heavily on budgets.
“British consumers are feeling the impact of rising energy costs more strongly than ever. While many are taking steps to reduce their bills, our research shows there is still uncertainty around how to use appliances in the most efficient way,” she said.
Arbuckle said Beko sees access and usability as central issues. “At Beko, we believe everyone should have access to options that reduce environmental impact without adding financial pressure. As a global leader in home appliances, we have a responsibility to lead the way,” she said.
She added that design plays a key role in closing the gap between technology and behaviour. “By designing products that use less energy and water, and by making eco settings simpler and more intuitive, we’re helping households save money without compromising on performance or convenience,” Arbuckle said.
“At a time when energy costs are the UK’s biggest environmental concern, the priority is giving people the tools and confidence to save energy the smart way.”
The Smart Living Index results come as energy affordability remains a central issue for households across the UK. With many consumers facing ongoing pressure from utility bills, behaviour change is increasingly driven by financial necessity rather than environmental motivation alone.
The research suggests that while awareness of energy costs is high, understanding of how to manage energy use effectively at home is less clear. Appliances are often viewed as part of the problem rather than part of the solution, even as manufacturers continue to improve efficiency standards.
This disconnect has implications for both household finances and energy demand. If consumers avoid using appliances altogether, or use them inefficiently, potential savings from modern technology may not be realised.
The findings also point to a broader challenge around trust in technology. While smart and connected appliances are designed to help users manage energy more accurately, concerns over privacy, security and cost are limiting adoption and use.
For manufacturers, the research highlights the importance of clarity and simplicity. Features intended to reduce energy use may go unused if consumers do not understand or trust them, or if they believe manual alternatives are always cheaper.
For households, the study suggests that better information could help bridge the gap between intention and outcome. Understanding when and how appliances can reduce energy use may allow consumers to cut costs without giving up convenience.
As energy costs continue to dominate environmental concerns in the UK, the Smart Living Index underlines the need for clearer guidance on everyday energy decisions. Helping households make informed choices about appliance use could play a role in easing financial pressure while reducing overall energy demand.
