Strategies for Reducing Energy Consumption at Home: 31 Expert Recommendations for Saving Energy, Money, and the Environment
Title: Save Energy and Cut Heating Costs: Simple Tips for a Warm Winter and Greener Home
Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, learning how to save energy at home has never been more important — especially with the energy price cap set to rise in January 2025. By adopting just a handful of these energy-saving tips, you'll not only keep your house cozy in winter, but also reap the benefits of real savings on your monthly bills and help the UK reach its net zero emissions target by 2050. Sounds like a good deal, right? Let's dive in!
1. Turn down the thermostat
Just by flicking your thermostat dial down by one degree, households across the UK could collectively save around £800 million on energy bills. But why settle for small savings? A well-regulated thermostat can slash your bills by up to £150 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Don't believe the myth that having the heating on low all day is more cost-effective. Instead, use it only when needed to save both money and energy.
2. Change your lightbulbs
Knowing the electricity consumption of lightbulbs can help you consciously change your habits around the house. But you don't need a lightbulb moment to know that laying your hands on energy-efficient LED bulbs or smart lighting will have a significant impact on your wallet. By making the switch, the Energy Saving Trust predicts you could save around £15 per bulb every year.
3. Turn off the lights
Leaving lights on in empty rooms may seem harmless, but it adds up. Turn off the lights in rooms not in use, and save approximately £25 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust's estimate for the average four-person household. Remember, there are plenty of other security measures for a house to ensure your safety without breaking the bank.
4. Switch off appliances
One easy way to save energy (and cash) for both homeowners and renters is to switch off unused appliances and devices at the wall. Leaving items on standby leads to unnecessary costs on energy bills, especially for energy-draining appliances such as televisions, desktop computers, washing machines, and video game consoles.
5. Mind your kettle
Going for a cuppa? Boil only the water you need, and don't be one of the 23% who re-boil the kettle. This simple change could save you £13 annually, the Energy Saving Trust estimates. Sure, kettles vary in energy consumption, but working out how much it costs to boil a kettle using its wattage and your energy price per pence/kWH can help you understand the hidden costs.
6. Wait for a full load
Doing full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher not only saves water but also energy. Research by Thames Water and Gov.uk shows that 68% of households are already practicing this smart move to save energy.
7. Avoid the tumble dryer
Tumble dryers can be energy hogs, with running costs of up to £150 per year based on usage twice a week. Drying clothes outside on a washing line or investing in a heating clothes airer is a more cost-effective alternative.
8. Cover your pans
By keeping the lids on saucepans, your food will cook quicker, and you'll save energy by turning off the heat a few minutes before you're done. An added bonus: always match the size of the cooking ring to the size of the saucepan to save energy rather than simply heating the air.
9. Upgrade your shower head
If you believe showers use less water than baths, think again. A power shower could be consuming up to 50 liters more water than you would use in a bath. An energy-efficient shower head could save a household up to £70 a year. Plus, taking one minute less in the shower could save you up to £95 annually on the cost to run a shower.
10. Install a smart meter
Smart meters, now installed by all energy suppliers at no extra cost, help you monitor energy consumption, making it easier to prevent wastage and manage energy bills. If you're on a waiting list for a smart meter, consider buying an independent energy reader for a quick fix to start tracking your usage.
11. Service your boiler
Annual boiler servicing ensures it's working efficiently, saving energy and reducing your energy bills. In addition, have your heat pump serviced annually for the same reasons.
12. Address draughts
Stay comfortable by preventing cold draughts from entering the house. The benefits go beyond saving on heating bills—instead of investing in expensive draught-proofing ideas, opt for simple solutions like a draught excluder or thermal curtains.
13. Use tumble dryer balls
Dry clothes effectively without a tumble dryer by using tumble dryer balls. The ingenious balls create space between the laundry, helping it to air-dry faster and saving energy in the process. Plus, they're beloved by DIYers like This Morning's Lynsey Crombie.
14. Combine cooking with heating
If you're in the market for a new kitchen appliance, consider a smart appliance that can heat your entire house. Traditional range cookers can heat hot water for the kitchen and bathroom and run the radiators, while providing the kitchen with heat. A boiler stove offers a similar advantage, working best in conjunction with other heating systems.
15. Bleed your radiators
Feeling cold spots at the top of your radiators? Chances are you're wasting energy and money due to air leaks in your radiator system. Bleed your radiators to remove trapped air and ensure even heating throughout.
16. Keep furniture away from radiators
Blocking the airflow around radiators with furniture results in wasted energy and higher heating bills. Keep a few inches of space between furniture and radiators for optimal heat distribution throughout the room.
17. Upgrade your wall insulation
Inspect your property to see if it's suitable for cavity wall insulation. Insulating your wall cavities can significantly reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills.
18. Fill your fridge and freezer with bottles of water
An empty fridge requires more energy to stay cold than a full one. Fill your fridge and freezer with water bottles or any food you have on hand to help save energy.
19. Use your dishwasher’s eco function
By reducing dishwasher usage and running it on an eco-friendly setting, you can save around £17 per month. In addition, lowering the dishwasher temperature helps save energy as well.
20. Keep your hob clean
A dirty hob wastes energy due to heat absorption by burnt-on food and grease. Clean your hob regularly to ensure maximum energy efficiency and cost savings.
21. Consider solar panels
Solar panels are a great way to save energy at home while also making a more eco-conscious choice. Install solar panels to generate green and free energy, with many appliances in your home benefiting from the renewable power.
FAQs
What is the average UK electricity bill per month?
The average monthly UK electricity bill is approximately £73, but it can vary based on factors like location, energy usage, and household efficiency.
What is the biggest household expense?
Household utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, and TV licensing, tend to be one of the largest household expenses after rent or mortgage payments. Reducing energy consumption is one way to cut costs in this area.
- In the utility room, consider adding insulation to water tanks and pipes to reduce heat loss and save energy.
- Transform your laundry room into a health-and-wellness space by using eco-friendly laundry detergents and hanging clothes to dry instead of using the dryer, promoting physical well-being through exercise by hanging and folding clothes.
- Create a cozy sleep environment by properly insulating the bedroom, using heavy curtains, and lowering the temperature slightly for better sleep, which also contributes to mental health and overall wellness.
- Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts can save energy during workouts by choosing energy-efficient exercise equipment, optimizing exercise routines to reduce energy consumption, and considering natural light instead of artificial lighting when possible.
- Maintain a balanced nutrition lifestyle by reducing the amount of energy-intensive food preparation, using energy-efficient kitchen appliances, and opting for locally-sourced, organic, and energy-efficient food choices to promote sustainable living and health.
