Looking for ways to save on energy bills? With October’s energy price cap set to rise from £1,971 to £3,549 for dual fuel for the average household, many couples, individuals and families are thinking of how to reduce energy consumption.
Since the price cap is almost doubling and future increases are predicted, it won’t be possible to bring your energy bill to what it used to be. But there are ways to save on energy and keep your bills as low as possible.
Here are 7 ways to save on energy bills.
Turn off standby mode
Leaving appliances on standby mode can cost us an average of £55 a year. So turn your appliances off if and when you can to save energy. If you’re unsure whether turning an appliance off at the wall might upset its programming, check the instructions first. The most energy-consuming home appliances are washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, fridges and freezers (although you might want to avoid switching the latter two off every time you leave the house!).
Switch off your lights
Leaving lights on in rooms that are not in use can shave £20 a year off your annual energy bill. Another way of reducing the costs of lighting is to use LED bulbs, which use a lot less electricity. They also last a lot longer than incandescent, halogen and CFL equivalents.
Install a smart thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat can save you around £75 a year on average. They work by learning how long it takes to heat your home and only warming the rooms that you’re using. Smart thermostats can also be controlled by your phone so that you can make sure your house is heated at the right temperature by the time you come home.
Turn down your thermostat
Heating and hot water account for almost half of your total energy bill. But by turning down your thermostat by 1 just degree, you can save you upwards of £80 a year. If you think you can reduce the temperature further, do so. The savings will be more than worth it!
Wash and dry mindfully
Using your washing machine and tumble dryer can be costly. Save on energy by washing at 30 degrees and avoiding hotter washes when possible. Reducing your washing machine use by one cycle a week can also make a big difference to your annual bill. Finally, try to avoid the tumble dryer and use a clothes rack instead. Doing so can save you a whopping £60 a year!
Limit your shower time
If you’re a long-soak-in-the-bath person, it might be time to start thinking about swapping to a shower. Doing so can save you £12 a year in energy bills. And when you’re in the shower, try to keep it short. Cutting your showers down to 4 minutes can save a typical household £70 a year.
Draught-proof your windows and doors
Draughts around doors, windows, chimneys and gaps around the floor can lead to a lot of heat loss. Cover any draughts where possible and you can save up to £45 a year. If you’re not quite sure where to start, you can enlist a professional for around £225. But if you plan to stay in your home for a few more years, the costs will be more than worth it!
