Easy ways to save energy

We know that bills can be confusing. Watch Energy Saving Trust’s video about understanding your energy bills to find out how to read you energy bill, make sure you’re paying the correct amount and to see if you’re on the cheapest available tariff.

You can save energy and money just by turning off appliances such as TVs and games consoles at the plug instead of leaving them on standby. You can switch off most appliances without disrupting their programming but, if you’re not sure, check the manual. 

Set your washing machine to run at 30 degrees rather than at higher temperatures: this will save you money as less energy is used to heat the water. Always make up a full load to reduce the number of loads and the energy you use.

Tumble dryers are one of the most energy consuming home appliances. If you can, dry your clothes outside. If you can’t, dry clothes on racks inside a well-ventilated room. Using a dehumidifier is a great way to dry clothes indoors much more cheaply than a tumble dryer, and it will help combat condensation and damp too.

Do you really need the big light on if you’re using a lamp? Not using all the lights all the time and remembering to turn off the light when you leave a room will help to cut your bill. You could save even more by using low energy lightbulbs in each fixture too.

Spending less time in the shower saves money. Using a shower timer can help you do this. Switching off the water when you’re conditioning your hair or shaving can help to cut the time too. If everyone in your household does this, the savings really add up. 

When boiling a kettle, make sure you only boil enough for what you need. If you’re only making a cuppa, you can get kettles that have cup markers to help you fill it to the right level.

Only use the dishwasher when it’s full to reduce the number of times you run it. Don’t overfill it – you can find tips online about how to load it properly - and consider using the eco setting. You can let the items air dry at the end too.

The ideal temperature to heat your home is between 18 and 21 degrees. Turning down the thermostat by just one degree can help to cut your energy use. Turn down radiators in rooms you’re not using and, if you’re out during the day, set your timer to match your routine.

Draught proofing – for example, fitting insulation strips around windows and doors to block unwanted gaps that let cold air come in and heat escape - is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and money. You can buy the materials required cheaply at most DIY stores, and it’s quick and easy to fit.