We share the small changes that will add up to big savings on your energy bills.
While energy suppliers have started to pass on reductions in wholesale prices there's no doubt that this winter's cold weather will have more than undone any of the benefit as we all crank up the central heating to try and stay warm.
With household finances already squeezed it's never been more important to cut costs any way you can. Thankfully, while the cost of heating your home may by pushing your energy bill sky high, the good news is that there are a number of simple steps you can take to drive it back down.
When it comes to your household's energy consumption, and therefore the size of your gas and electricity bill, little changes can add up into big savings. So, to help you save we share our hassle free tips for cutting your energy bill without even trying:
1. Say goodbye to standby
Current estimates suggest that the average UK household could save around £37 a year on their electricity bill if they switched appliances off properly instead of leaving them on standby. You can make the saving simply by saying goodbye to the remote and switching ‘standby’ appliances off at the plug.
2. Unplug chargers
Leaving your mobile phone charger plugged in while your mobile phone isn’t attached is just wasting electricity, the same goes for any other chargeable gadgets. Get into the habit of unplugging your chargers at the same time as you unplug your gadget and you’ll be saving electricity without even noticing.
3. Switch appliances with power packs off at the wall
Appliances that are fitted with power packs (such as computers and DVD players) are still on charge and eating electricity – albeit a small amount - even when the appliance itself is switched off (they typically have an LED light that’s always on). To save a little bit extra energy get into the habit of switching appliances off at the wall instead.
What's more, if you don't use them to tell the time, switch appliances with clocks on (such as microwaves and CD players) off at the wall otherwise you’re just paying to power something that isn’t used.
4. Wash your clothes at 30degrees
Thanks to the wonders of modern day washing powder it’s usually possible to get all but the most soiled clothes completely clean in a 30degree wash. Making the switch is easy to do and will definitely help you save. Only running your washing machine when it’s full is another step towards a smaller energy bill.
5. Steer clear of the tumble dryer
Tumble driers are famed for eating energy so try to avoid using yours wherever possible – airing cupboards and clothes horses are a good alternative. However, when you do use yours make sure that you’ve wrung the excess water out of your washing (either by hand or on a spin cycle) so that drying takes less time. You could also try using dryer balls as these help the air to circulate through your washing, cutting drying time and therefore energy usage considerably.
6. Load up your dishwasher
Make your dishwasher as energy-friendly as possible by only running it when it’s completely full. Using the ‘economy wash’ option for regular loads is also a very good idea as your dishes will still come out clean but you’ll still be saving. Only very soiled pots and pans tend to require a hotter wash.
7. Keep your fridge and freezer frost free
Defrosting your fridge and freezer on a regular basis will keep them running as efficiently as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep your freezer as full as possible but avoid over-filling your fridge for maximum efficiency. What's more, remember to close both the fridge and freezer doors as soon as you’ve finished putting something in or getting something out and never put food in the fridge before it’s completely cool.
8. Get saucepan-smart
You can save energy while you’re cooking by using the hob that matches the size of the saucepan you’re using. Putting the lid on your saucepan will considerably reduce the cooking time too and steamers that stack one on top of the other are also another good energy saving option as they allow you to cook a number of different items with the heat of just one hob.
9. Turn off unneeded lights
Get into the habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room so that you’re not powering them unnecessarily. This applies even if you’ve made the money saving switch to energy efficient bulbs.
10. Don’t overfill your kettle
Only ever boil the amount of water you need rather than automatically filling the kettle to the brim as this will save a considerable amount of energy. Do make sure that there is enough to fill the elements before you flick the ‘on switch’ though.
