Martin Lewis Issues Urgent Warning Over ‘Demon Appliance’ as UK Energy Debt Hits Eight-Year High

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a fresh warning to households across the UK as energy bills continue to rise, urging families to avoid what he calls the “demon appliance” in their homes. Speaking on his BBC Radio 5 Live podcast, Lewis explained that as winter approaches and temperatures drop, millions of households are unknowingly wasting money on an appliance that consumes far more electricity than people realise (BBC Radio 5 Live).

The warning comes as new figures show UK households now owe a staggering £780 million to energy suppliers — the highest total in eight years, according to research published by comparison site Uswitch (Uswitch report). The number of families in debt to their supplier has soared by 46%, rising from 2.4 million last year to 3.5 million this year.

Martin Lewis said people should be warn of 'power hog' appliances sending bills soaring(ITV)

The “Demon Appliance”: Tumble Dryers

Martin Lewis identified the tumble dryer as one of the most expensive household appliances to run, urging people to use it only when absolutely necessary.

“Do you know what the real ‘demon appliance’ is in most people’s houses? Tumble dryers. You’re typically paying up to £1 per load,” Lewis explained (BBC).

He advised families to dry clothing using an airer or line-dry outdoors whenever possible. For those who struggle with damp while air-drying indoors, Lewis recommends using a dehumidifier, which consumes far less energy than a tumble dryer and can help prevent mould (Manchester Evening News).

A listener named Rob wrote in, explaining that after he started drying washing indoors to save money, damp and condensation began spreading throughout his flat. He asked whether a dehumidifier would be cheaper to run than using central heating.

Lewis responded:

“Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than heating the room. They use much lower wattage than standard heating, so running one will almost certainly reduce electricity bills.”

More Heating Hacks from Martin Lewis

As heating costs remain a major burden this winter, Lewis also shared several cost-cutting techniques:

1. Install Reflective Panels Behind Radiators

Lewis recommends placing reflective sheeting behind radiators mounted on external walls to help bounce heat back into the room rather than losing it through brickwork (BBC).

“If you don’t want to buy the proper reflective sheets, tin foil can work — although it isn’t quite as effective.”

Currently, Screwfix is offering a 4-metre roll of radiator reflector foil for £6.38, discounted by 15% (Screwfix listing, cited via Manchester Evening News).

2. Turn Off Radiators in Unused Rooms

“If you’ve got radiators in rooms you don’t use, turn them off before you turn the heating on. You’re wasting cash heating empty spaces.”

3. Reduce Your Boiler Flow Temperature

Lewis reminded households that simply lowering the boiler flow rate — the temperature of water flowing from the boiler to the radiators — can cut gas bills by over 9%, with no noticeable change in warmth (The Guardian energy guide).

UK Households Face Increasing Debt as Winter Begins

According to Uswitch, the average household energy debt is now £223, up 29% from £173 last year. Meanwhile, household credit balances — the positive amounts families usually build up during summer — have fallen dramatically.

Last year, the average billpayer held £128 in credit; this year, that figure has dropped to just £98, the lowest since the energy crisis began in 2021 (Uswitch; Ofgem).

Even more worryingly, 2.2 million low-income households have no energy credit at all, entering winter already in deficit. Ofgem’s latest figures also show that total energy debt nationwide has climbed to over £4 billion, up more than £750 million in a year (Ofgem report).

Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi called the situation “deeply concerning”:

“Energy debt has soared to an eight-year high. Many households may soon face a bill shock as direct debit levels are recalculated.”

He added that falling government support schemes, inflation, and rising food and fuel prices are all contributing to the crisis.

Gallizzi advised families to aim for two months’ worth of energy credit heading into winter and urged anyone struggling to contact their supplier immediately:

“If your account is going into debt, speak to your energy provider as soon as possible. There is support available.”

Final Tips From Martin Lewis

Alongside avoiding the tumble dryer, Lewis shared a checklist for reducing waste and controlling bills:

• Check your television and appliances are on low-energy settings.

• Walk through your home identifying draughts and seal them where possible.

• Use thick curtains at night to reduce heat loss.

• Close internal doors to keep heat contained in smaller areas.

Lewis summed it up simply:

“The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use.”