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You can lower your energy bills by reducing energy usage at home… and it’s easier than you may think!
We're all feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living so, we're here to help you save money (and the planet!) with our energy saving hacks…
- 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 overnight
Small acts as simple as leaving your TV on standby, or overfilling the kettle, could be using more energy than you think.
Spend less time in the shower
- Every minute you shave off your time in the shower could save on your energy usage. Showers are the more water-efficient way to wash, and this simple hack can save you some serious energy.
- Set a timer on your phone to shorten your showers or create a shower playlist with songs that will energise you in the morning and help keep your timings in check.
- Switch to a low flow showerhead, it'll help the planet and help you use less energy while showering.
- Try a cold shower! Cold showers provide muscle recovery and improve blood circulation. They might also lead to less time spent in the shower, and as a bonus, you’ll use less energy as you won't be heating the water.
Switch up your laundry routine
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.
Fun Fact:
Ever wondered 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... yes, really!
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.
Remember, this is only effective behind radiators on external walls, not internal.
Heat your home for less
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Turn down your main thermostat
Most families set theirs between 18˚C and 21˚C, and you're unlikely to notice a one-degree difference. Give it a try! - Set times or programme your thermostat
Setting your thermostat to only come on when that additional heat boost is needed, means you won’t have wasted heat. - 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, so making your home more energy efficient is key.
For more information, watch our video on eco-friendly ways to heat your home.
Take Tech off standby
- Switching off appliances and devices in your home when they're not being used can save on your household energy use.
- 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!
- Appliances 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.
When should you turn off appliances at the wall?
We all know that one person who switches everything off at the wall… and they're on to something. Turn off TVs, Smart Speakers and Game Consoles when you're not using them, as they use energy even in standby mode.
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. Ratings range from A (energy efficient) to G (energy guzzling). The better the rating, the less energy your device will use and the more money you'll save.
The big light vs small light debate
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 exceptions, 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.
When should you charge your electric car?
Did you know the cheapest time to charge your car is overnight, because fewer people are using electricity? 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. 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.
Home improvements to save energy
Looking for longer-term ways to reduce your energy usage? Consider these home improvements:
- Double glazing
- Roof insulation
- Checking for draughts
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solar panels
These investments can make a significant difference to your energy bills over time and improve your home's overall energy efficiency.
Energy usage stats
According to the ONS (Office for National Statistics), domestic electricity consumption varies significantly across the UK. Understanding where you sit in comparison to your neighbours, gives a good indication of where to focus your energy saving efforts.
For example:
| Energy Usage | Gas (kWh per year) | Electricity (kWh per year) |
| Low (1-2 people) | 7,500 kWh | 1,800 kWh |
| Medium (2-3 people) | 11,500 kWh | 2,700 kWh |
| High (4-5 people) | 17,000 kWh | 4,100 kWh |
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. It’ll also mean you’re less likely to have one break unexpectedly or cause any damage to your fuse box (it will also help to avoid fire risk).
In summary, here are some simple ways to reduce your energy usage and save money on your household bills:
- Take shorter showers
- Adjust your washing machine to 'eco' in peak times
- Invest in tumble dryer balls, to speed up drying times for laundry
- Place foil behind radiators to redirect heat back into the room
- Lower the temperature on your thermostat
- Switch off non-essential tech like TVs and Games Consoles when not in use
- Look for tech with a green EPC rating (like TVs or PC screens)
- Choose lamps over the main light
- Switch to a slow cooker instead of an air fryer (when you can!)
- Fill your kettle up to what you need, instead of to the brim
- Charge your EVs overnight, instead of during the day
- Check all appliances are working as they should
- Invest in an electricity monitor, so you can see how much energy you're using
- Consider home improvements like double glazing and roof insulation
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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