1. Unplug Electronics on Standby
By turning off electronics that are on standby or ‘sleep mode,’ you can save unnecessary electricity that isn’t being used. These electronics include computer monitors, TVs, phone chargers, microwaves and kettles. Please note, it is not recommended to turn off your fridge/freezer at night as this will break food safety recommendations!
2. Turn Your Thermostat Down
Another way to save energy at home is by turning your thermostat down by 1 or 2 degrees. Some people make the mistake of turning their thermostat up really high as soon as they get home in the hope to get the rooms warm more quickly. However, this process won't work as thermostats limiters not accelerators.
Tom Drake, heating expert here at Tap Warehouse suggests that “turning your thermostat down by simply 1 degree can save you up to 10% off your monthly heating bill.”
3. Use Slow Cookers Instead of Ovens
Slow cookers use a margin of the energy used by microwaves and ovens, so are a great way to save energy in the kitchen. A study by CNET suggests that slow cookers use just 9% of the total energy used by a large oven; 6 hours of cooking in a slow cooker will cost you £0.35 compared to £3.10 with a large oven.
You can make various soups, stews, pasta dishes and curries in slow cookers at home and there are a variety of settings to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
4. Use the Eco Setting on Your Dishwasher
To save even more money on your energy bills, try using the eco setting on your dishwasher to cut your water and energy usage. Eco washes can take longer to get the same level of cleaning as it takes more time to heat the water, but it is the most sustainable option.
Experts at Currys suggest that dishwasher eco modes can slash your energy usage by 20%-40%, which can make a big difference to your energy bills. They also claim that washing up can use up to 9 times more water than a dishwasher, so now might be the right time to invest in one if you can!
5. Wash Your Clothes at Low Temperatures
Research done by the Cleaning Institute suggests that around 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes towards heating the water. By choosing a cold wash for your clothes, you will be saving extra energy whilst still ensuring your clothes are sufficiently clean. It’s more sustainable to wash a full load of clothes rather than a few individual items little and often as this will make your energy bills increase, costing you more money.
After washing, you should avoid drying your clothes on radiators as this will prevent them from heating the room efficiently and can also release excess moisture into the air, causing mould and mildew.
6. Invest in an Eco Shower Head
A great way to save water at home is to switch your baths to showers and invest in a water-saving shower head. These showers work with air-injection technology which reduces the water coming out of your shower by up to 50%, which in turn has a huge impact on reducing your water bill.
Tom Drake continues, "by switching to an efficient showerhead, a family of four could save £40 off their gas bills and £55 off their water bills by using a water-saving shower head."
7. Invest in a Smart Plug
Smart plugs enable you to schedule when devices are turned on and off, all through the ease of an app. This is great for instances when you may be away from home and have forgotten to turn off various household devices such as eclectic heaters. You can buy smart plugs from as little as £12 so they are a great solution to saving energy at home that won't cost the earth.
8. Bleed Your Radiators
You can save energy at home is by ensuring your radiators and towel rails are heating up efficiently. It’s crucially important to ensure your radiators are working properly before you turn them on for the winter months to minimise potential problems further down the line. Bleeding your radiators will prevent cold spots and slow heat up times, so take this step to improve heating performance for when you need it most.
Flushing the sludge from radiators is another crucial process and will ensure your radiators heat up quicker and more efficiently.
9. Buy Efficient Appliances
When buying a new appliance, opting for high energy-efficiency ratings are definitely worth the spend. Appliances are tested for how much energy they use during typical use and usually have a rating on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient. If you're on the lookout for new appliances and want to invest in the most efficient option, look for an A (or A+++ if it's an older scale) rating.
By carrying out these 9 tips, we guarantee that your energy bills will decrease and be much easier to manage. Take a look at our article exploring the small house flaws that could be costing you a fortune.
