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We’re all feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living, so let's take a look at some handy hacks to help save on our energy usage...
- Reducing your shower time by one minute could save 60 gallons of water a year!
- Reducing your thermostat by one degree could reduce your household energy use
- The cheapest time to charge your EV is at bed time
The cost-of-living crisis feels like it’s lasted a long time, and although we might be starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel, we’re not quite there yet.
Small acts as simple as leaving your TV on standby, or overfilling the kettle, could be using more energy than you think. So, we’re here to help you save money (and the planet!) with our energy saving hacks.
Spend less time in the shower
Every minute you shave off your time in the shower could save on your energy usage. We know showers are the more water-efficient way to wash, but did you know that simple hack can save you some serious energy?
If you’re looking for an easy way to shorten your showers, try setting a timer on your phone - or if you're feeling a little extra - why not create a shower playlist with songs that will energise you in the morning (and help keep your timings in check)?
What about switching to a low flow showerhead? It’ll not only help the planet, it will help you use less energy while showering.
MYTH BUSTED: A cold shower can in fact be just as good for you as a steaming hot one. Cold showers provide muscle recovery and improve blood circulation - they might also lead to less time spent in the shower (for most) and as a bonus, you won’t be heating the water, so that’s even more energy saved.
Switch up your laundry routine at home
Did you know that a large percentage of your home water usage comes from using your washing machine?
For a simple water saving trick, try switching up your normal cycle to an eco-wash and make sure you adjust the settings on your machine to reflect the proper load size before pressing go.
When it comes to drying your clothes, if you regularly use a tumble dryer, why not invest in a tumble dryer ball to help speed up the process? These ingenious balls help create space between the laundry, airing the clothes or sheets, and helping reduce the time needed in the dryer.
MYTH BUSTED: Wondering where those missing socks go? Yes, they might be disappearing from your laundry, but the sock monster isn’t real. Washing machines do in fact swallow smaller items of clothing, as they get sucked into the machine's drainage. Who knew!
Insulate your home with tin foil...
Feeling the chill? Putting aluminium foil behind your radiators could help keep heat in your home. Although this may seem a little far-fetched, the idea is simple - using reflective foil behind your radiator will bounce heat back into the room, rather than letting it out through the walls.
Bear in mind that this is only effective behind radiators on external walls, not internal.
Heating Your Home
It’s no secret that home energy bills went up with the rising cost of living. Heating and hot water make a big contribution to any household's energy bills, and this has been a worrying time for many families. So, how can you make your home more energy efficient? Here are some simple hacks you can try…
It might sound obvious, but turning down your main thermostat could reduce the amount of energy you use to heat your home. Most families set their thermostat between 18˚C and 21˚C, and while we all have that preferred temperature, you’re unlikely to notice a one-degree difference. So why not give it a try?
If this feels a little daunting, setting times or programming your thermostats can narrow down the length of time your heating is on, keeping it set at key hours where that additional heat boost is needed.
MYTH BUSTED: A lot of us believe it’s cheaper to have the heating on low all the time, but it’s really not. And while you may think cranking up the thermostat will heat your home quicker, it really won’t.
Take Tech off standby
Does switching off appliances and devices in your home (when they're not being used) save on your household energy use? It's an age-old question and, the short answer is, yes!
We all know that one person who switches everything off at the wall… and they’re on to something. (Thanks dad!)
When should you turn off appliances at the wall?
Everyday appliances like fridges and freezers can be kept switched on at all times. But, if you’re off on holiday, at work all day, or simply not using appliances like TVs, Smart Speakers and Game Consoles… turn them off!
Why? Because they can use up energy even when turned off, unless unplugged at the wall. You may hear the term ‘Vampire Appliances’ or a type of energy use known as a ‘Phantom Load’ – basically the power goes on keeping them in standby mode.
Check your tech before you buy
You may have heard about houses having an EPC (energy performance certificate) that tells you how energy efficient a building is… well, so do your gadgets! Before you buy a new TV or PC screen, take a look at the energy rating – ranging from A (super energy efficient) to G (an energy guzzler). Ideally, you want to be in the green. The better the rating, the less energy your device will use and the more money you’ll save.Big light vs small light
When it comes to feeling cosy and setting the right evening mood, it’s all about lamps. Using the main light is a big no-no in many households. And it’s not just the ‘vibe’ that can benefit… choosing a lamp over the big light could help you save on your energy bills. The bulbs in lamps tend to use far fewer watts than the ones in our ceiling lights, meaning they use less energy. There are a few acceptations, of course… so read the side of the bulb, or the box it came in, to see what’s watt – the lower the number, the less energy it will use.Start using a slow cooker
Don’t worry, we’re not about to tell you to ditch the air fryer completely… sometimes you need a quick meal. However, using a slow cooker every now and then could help you reduce your energy bills, compared with using an oven or air fryer. They’re also relatively cheap to buy and you’ll almost always spot one for sale in a charity shop. So, next time you’re working from home or having a slow weekend, why not prep dinner early and let it cook itself throughout the afternoon?
Don’t overfill the kettle
Time for a cuppa? Whether tea time is at 11am or 3pm, stop filling the kettle up to the brim, use your mug to measure so you only boil what you need.
Adding milk to tea is a personal preference but whether you like your tea milky or straight up, be sure to take this into account when filling the kettle.
Are you an EV owner?
Did you know the cheapest time to charge your car is overnight, because fewer people are using electricity then? In fact, some energy providers offer cheaper tariffs if you charge while the rest of us are sleeping. So, get your dressing gown and outdoor slippers at the ready… and add ‘plugging in’ to your night-time routine!
Get an electricity monitor
You may think an electricity monitor is just there to tell you how much electricity you’re using… well, you’re right, it is! And that’s exactly why it can help you use less energy. There’s nothing more shocking than seeing how much energy you used that day you had an extra-long shower or the time you binge-watched every episode of the Housewives of Beverly Hills. Taking a look at how your behaviour and actions impact your energy usage is a great way to understand how you can make it better.
How to check your appliances are working properly
You should consistently check your appliances are in working order. Why? Because if they’re not, they could be using more energy or using more water than necessary… and therefore costing more money! Checking and caring for appliances yourself could save you money on replacing items or paying tradespeople to fix them.
How to check your fridge is working properly
If your fridge stops working, your first port of call should be the coils. On most fridges, you can get to the coils by removing the front grille. Once you’ve located the coils, it’s time to push a coil cleaning brush into the coils, pull it back and vacuum it clean. If the coils on your fridge are on the back, you may need to pull out your fridge to clean them (as long as it’s safe to do so!). Making sure your coils are clean means your fridge will cool more efficiently and could save money on your energy bill!
How to check your washing machine is working
We're all guilty of overloading the washing machine to try and limit the number of loads, but stuffing too much laundry in your washer can damage the motors, belts and other moving parts. Sometimes, these repairs can be pricier than replacing the entire machine. Your home insurance won't cover appliances breaking down, so check the instruction manual (you can usually find this online if you've lost the paperwork) to make sure you're using your machine in the safest and most efficient way.
How to check your dishwasher is working
We've all been there... you go to empty the dishwasher and your leftover roast potatoes aren't budging from the tray. When this starts to happen, it's usually a food-filled filter that's to blame. If it's clogged up with excess food, water can't make its way to the spray arms. The good news is... you can fix this yourself in two minutes. Here's how:
1. Pull out the lower rack and remove the filter cover inside the dishwasher
2. Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean off the screen
3. Slide the 'float switch' up and down, and then clean it with water
How to check your tumble dryer is working
Clothes still damp after they've been in the dryer? Firstly, make sure the machine isn't set to 'fluff air' — this is a non-heat setting. If not, it could be that the filter's clogged up. You can test your filter by pouring water into it - if the filter holds water, it's time to clean it! Pull out the filter and scrub it in hot water with a little laundry detergent and a stiff kitchen brush. Also check the outside dryer vent for any fluff that may have built up there.
How to check your freezer is working
If you open your freezer and spy some puddles of water, your freezer might not be working properly (or else someone left the door open a bit too long!). Either way, this simple trick will help you find out:
- Put a (freezer-friendly) container of water in your freezer
- Once the water's frozen solid, put a small solid object (e.g. a coin) on top of the ice
If your freezer’s in perfect working order, the object will still be on top of the ice an hour later. If the object’s fallen into the container, the freezer has a malfunction of some kind. It could be that the condenser coils have collected debris and need cleaning (as above with the fridge), or there could be a problem with the defrost timer. The compressor goes silent when it's in automatic defrost mode (which lasts between 30 minutes to an hour), so if the compressor motor doesn’t start after this time, it may need replacing.
And finally, it’s worth checking that your LV= home insurance is up to date, because right now, no one wants a hefty bill for accidental damage or a leak to be added to the list of expenses this year.
So, why not give some of these home hacks, tips and tricks a go and see if you can reduce the energy you use in your home? Remember, when it comes to saving energy at home, consistency is key! Make sure you keep up your good work to see the results.
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