Let’s be real – energy bills are out of control. We’re all feeling the pinch, especially here in the UK, where it seems like every week there’s another headline about rising gas prices or electricity costs. But don’t panic just yet. There are loads of small, manageable changes you can make that’ll add up to serious savings. Whether you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, or just want to cut back on the monthly energy bill, these tips are for you.
Grab a cuppa and let’s dive in!
1. Turn Down the Thermostat
This is one of the easiest ways to save money on energy. By turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree, you could save up to 10% on your heating bill! I know, that doesn’t sound like much, but every penny counts these days, right? Plus, it’s not like you’ll even notice that slight difference in temperature.
2. Layer Up Before Turning the Heat On
Okay, so you’re cold. But before you crank the heating up to full blast, think about adding an extra layer. Whether it’s a cozy jumper or even just some fluffy socks, dressing for the weather inside your home can reduce how often you feel the need to turn on the heat.
3. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you haven’t got a smart thermostat yet, it’s time to join the club. Devices like Hive or Nest can adjust the temperature automatically when you’re not at home. No more heating an empty house! These smart gadgets can quickly pay for themselves with the energy savings.
4. Bleed Your Radiators
Radiators not heating up properly? You might need to bleed them. This means getting rid of any trapped air that’s stopping your radiators from working efficiently. It’s a quick and easy task – you just need a radiator key, and you’ll notice the difference straight away.
5. Block Draughts Around Windows and Doors
Draughts are sneaky little devils that let cold air in and warm air out. Use draught excluders, weather stripping, or even a rolled-up towel under doors to keep that heat inside where it belongs.
6. Double or Triple Glazing
If you live in an older home, you might still have single glazing on your windows. Double or even triple glazing can make a big difference in keeping your home warmer and quieter. It’s an investment upfront but can drastically reduce your heating bills in the long run.
7. Close the Curtains
At night, make sure you’re closing your curtains or blinds to keep the warmth in. This acts as an extra layer of insulation, preventing heat from escaping through your windows.
8. Invest in Thick Curtains
Speaking of curtains, thicker ones are even better at blocking out cold air. Consider getting thermal curtains – they’re specifically designed to keep warmth in and the cold out.
9. Use Rugs on Wooden Floors
If you’ve got wooden or laminate flooring, adding a rug can help insulate your room. It’s a simple way to keep your feet warm and prevent heat from escaping through the floor.
10. Insulate Your Loft
If you haven’t already insulated your loft, this is a must. Heat rises, so a poorly insulated loft means all that expensive heat is just disappearing into the sky. Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy-saving measures out there.
11. Insulate Your Walls
Similar to loft insulation, insulating your walls can prevent heat from escaping. Cavity wall insulation can be done relatively quickly, and while it might cost a bit upfront, the savings over time make it worth it.
12. Turn Off Appliances When Not in Use
This one’s easy to forget – I’m guilty of it too! But leaving appliances on standby uses a surprising amount of energy. Make it a habit to switch off devices completely when you’re done with them.
13. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
LED bulbs use around 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, they last a lot longer, so you won’t need to replace them as often. Swap out your old bulbs for energy-efficient ones – your wallet will thank you.
14. Make the Most of Natural Light
During the day, open your curtains and let the natural light in. Not only will this reduce your need for artificial lighting, but it’s also a mood booster. A bright, sunny room is much more pleasant to be in.
15. Install Motion Sensors for Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights can be a huge drain on electricity if left on all night. Install motion sensors, so the lights only come on when they’re needed. This way, you’re not wasting energy lighting up the garden when no one’s out there.
16. Unplug Chargers
Leaving phone and laptop chargers plugged in when they’re not charging still uses energy – something known as “vampire power.” Unplug them when they’re not in use, and you could save a few pounds on your energy bill.
17. Use Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are great for turning off appliances automatically when they’re not being used. You can schedule them to turn off at certain times or control them remotely through an app.
18. Wash Clothes at 30 Degrees
Washing your clothes at 30 degrees instead of 40 can save a significant amount of energy. Most detergents are designed to work well at lower temperatures, so your clothes will still come out clean.
19. Avoid the Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers are one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the home. Where possible, air dry your clothes instead. If it’s too cold or wet outside, try using a clothes horse inside near a radiator.
20. Fill Your Washing Machine
When you do use your washing machine, make sure you’re doing full loads rather than small ones. This maximizes the efficiency of the machine and reduces the number of washes you need to do overall.
21. Use an Eco Setting on Your Dishwasher
Most dishwashers come with an eco setting, which uses less water and energy. It might take a bit longer to run, but it’s more energy-efficient and better for your bills.
22. Boil What You Need
When boiling water in the kettle, only fill it with the amount of water you actually need. Boiling excess water uses unnecessary energy. Plus, it takes longer, and who’s got time for that?
23. Descale Your Kettle
A build-up of limescale in your kettle makes it less efficient, meaning it’ll take longer to boil water and use more energy. Regularly descaling your kettle keeps it working efficiently.
24. Use a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers use less energy than the oven, and they’re great for making hearty, warming meals like stews and casseroles. Plus, you can throw everything in, leave it to cook, and come back to a delicious meal.
25. Batch Cook
When you do use your oven, make the most of it by batch cooking. Cook multiple meals at once and freeze them for later. This way, you’re not constantly reheating the oven for individual meals.
26. Use Lids on Pans
When cooking on the hob, use lids on your pans to trap heat. This speeds up cooking time and reduces the amount of energy needed.
27. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
If your old appliances are on their last legs, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. Look for the energy rating – A+++ is the most efficient. While the upfront cost might be higher, you’ll save in the long run.
28. Turn Off the Oven Early
Your oven retains heat for a while after being switched off, so you can turn it off a few minutes before your food is fully cooked. It’ll continue cooking with the residual heat, saving you a bit of energy.
29. Use Microwave or Toaster Oven for Small Meals
For smaller meals or reheating leftovers, consider using a microwave or toaster oven instead of the main oven. They use less energy and are quicker too.
30. Defrost Freezer Regularly
A frosted-up freezer has to work harder to keep things cool, meaning it uses more energy. Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently.
31. Set Your Fridge and Freezer to the Right Temperature
Your fridge should be set to around 3-5 degrees Celsius, and your freezer should be at -18 degrees. Anything lower than this is wasting energy without any real benefit.
32. Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full
A full fridge and freezer retain cold better than an empty one. If you don’t have enough food to fill it, you can use bottles of water to take up space and keep the cold air circulating efficiently.
33. Place Your Fridge Away from Heat Sources
If your fridge is next to a heat source like an oven or radiator, it’ll have to work harder to stay cool. If possible, move it to a cooler spot in the kitchen.
34. Air Dry Dishes
Instead of using the drying function on your dishwasher, open the door once the cycle is finished and let your dishes air dry. It’s a small change, but it can save a bit of energy with each wash.
35. Upgrade Your Boiler
Old boilers are less efficient than newer models. If your boiler is over 10 years old, it might be worth considering an upgrade. A new, energy-efficient boiler can save you a significant amount on your heating bill.
36. Use Zone Heating
If you have a larger home, consider using zone heating so you’re only heating the rooms you use. There’s no point in heating the entire house if you’re spending all your time in one or two rooms.
37. Get Your Boiler Serviced Annually
A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, so make sure to get yours serviced annually. This will ensure it’s working properly and not using more energy than necessary.
38. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels might seem like a big investment, but they can really pay off in the long run. You’ll generate your own electricity, which can drastically reduce your energy bills. Plus, any excess energy can be sold back to the grid.
39. Consider a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are a more energy-efficient way of heating your home compared to traditional gas boilers. They work by extracting heat from the air or ground and using it to heat your home.
40. Use Electric Heaters Wisely
Electric heaters can be expensive to run, so use them wisely. Only use them in rooms that are particularly cold and for short periods of time. Make sure to turn them off when you leave the room.
41. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder
If you have a hot water cylinder, make sure it’s properly insulated. This will help keep the water hot for longer, meaning your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard to reheat it.
42. Install a Timer for Your Hot Water
Installing a timer for your hot water system ensures it’s only heating water when you actually need it. There’s no need to keep the water hot all day if you’re only using it in the mornings and evenings.
43. Take Shorter Showers
Hot water is expensive, so try to cut down on the time you spend in the shower. Even reducing your shower by just a minute or two can make a big difference over time.
44. Fix Dripping Taps
A dripping tap can waste a surprising amount of water over time, especially if it’s hot water. Fix any leaks as soon as you notice them to avoid wasting both water and energy.
45. Use a Water-Saving Showerhead
Water-saving showerheads are designed to use less water while still giving you a good shower experience. Less water means less energy needed to heat it, so it’s a win-win.
46. Wash Clothes in Cold Water When Possible
Many clothes can be washed in cold water without any issues. This can save a lot of energy, especially if you have a large household that does a lot of laundry.
47. Keep Your Oven Door Closed
Every time you open the oven door, you let heat escape, which means the oven has to work harder to maintain the temperature. Try to keep the door closed as much as possible while cooking.
48. Cook with a Lid on Pots and Pans
Cooking with a lid on your pots and pans helps retain heat, which reduces cooking time and saves energy.
49. Use the Microwave for Heating Leftovers
Microwaves use less energy than ovens and are great for reheating leftovers. Plus, they’re quicker, which means less energy used overall.
50. Switch Energy Providers
Finally, don’t forget to regularly check if you’re on the best energy deal. Switching providers can save you a significant amount of money each year. There are plenty of comparison websites that make it easy to find the best deal for your household.
There you have it – 50 simple energy-saving tips that can help you reduce your bills and your carbon footprint. By making even a few of these changes, you’ll start to notice the savings adding up. And the best part? Most of them don’t require a huge investment or massive lifestyle changes.
With energy prices rising, it’s never been more important to find ways to cut back on your usage. Whether it’s something as simple as turning off lights when you leave a room or investing in new appliances, every little bit helps.