From turning the lights off when you leave a room to turning any standby switches off at the wall, noticing and making small adjustments may just help to reduce the cost of your energy bills. Minor changes can become regular habits and in the long run, help you to save money on your energy bills to put towards more important financial situations.
1. How Much Energy Does the Average Household Use?
Many households consume most of their energy between the period of 6 pm to 9 pm, with the highest usage occurring at 8 pm. Presently, an average household possesses at least 13 appliances, such as laptops and televisions, which is a significant increase compared to the 1990s, when only 4 appliances were common, according to the Energy Consumptions in the UK report.
However, despite owning more devices, UK households still consume roughly the same amount of energy as we did 20 years ago, indicating that our gadgets have become more energy-efficient over time. Nevertheless, there are still numerous ways to decrease energy consumption and cut costs.
2. Invest In An Electrical Blanket
Along with fluffy socks and a hot water bottle, investing your money in an electric blanket can keep you extra warm on a budget. For those chilly winter evenings, this is the perfect energy-saving appliance, especially being at the height of the cost-of-living crisis. Heated blankets are highly energy-efficient, allowing you to save energy compared to turning up the radiators. Additionally, they provide warmth and comfort without compromising your energy bills. From under-blankets to heated throws, there is a range of electric blankets in different sizes for all bed types.
3. Turn Down Your Radiators
Making sure that any radiators which aren’t being used are turned off to save on the waste of heating in an empty room. Only switch on any radiators in your house which are for rooms which are in use. To keep your heating costs down, set a timer either on your boiler or on your phone to monitor your heating time. This can help regulate when you need the heating on the most and at what time of the day is best.
4. Prep Your Meals For The Week
Like many gym goers, taking advice from meal prepping may help reduce your energy bills. Allocate one day of the week to prepare all your meals and spend a set amount of time cooking in bulk. Being efficient and saving on bills is not the only benefit of this practice. It also helps you feel more organised and prepared for the upcoming week.
5. Switch to LED lightbulbs
LED (Light Emitting Diodes) are energy-saving bulbs which achieve the same brightness as normal bulbs. These bulb types are perfect for cutting down on your energy bills without reducing the exposure of light for every room in your home. Not only do these bulb types use 33% less electricity, but they last 10 times longer than normal bulbs. Plus, they don’t use filament technology like normal bulbs, so won’t blow as easily.
6. Limit The Use Of Home Appliances
With the weather being guaranteed to be warm most weeks during the summer, reducing the use of some home appliances can help you save on your energy bills. Every tumble dryer load costs around 35p, which adds up over the course of the year. Instead, take advantage of the warm weather and hang your washing on a washing line where possible. Failing this, why not invest in a heated maiden or a normal maiden? Not only will the maiden dry your clothes but will also leave your house smelling fresh from the scent of the fabric conditioner.
Refrain from using a vacuum so much throughout the week as this will cut the cost of your energy bills. Also, starting to wash your dishes by hand is another way of saving on your energy bills. A dishwasher may be the easier option when it comes to cleaning dishes, but it can be a costly appliance. Connect to your Bluetooth speaker, whack on a pair of washing gloves and get washing.
7. Spend Less Time In The Shower
By cutting down your shower time, you can decrease the amount of water wasted and lower your energy bills. It’s common to lose track of time in the shower, so it’s recommended to limit your showers to 4 times a week and keep them to 5 minutes each. To help you keep track, set a timer while you shower. This small change can make a big impact on your household expenses.
8. Not Overfilling A Kettle
When making a cup of tea, try to avoid filling the kettle to the brim. Instead, add just enough water to fill your mug. This can save you a considerable amount of money. A 3kW kettle can boil a single cup (235ml) in approximately 45 seconds, costing only 1.7p per minute to operate. That’s just £4.64 per year if you make one cup of tea every day. However, boiling larger quantities of water can be more expensive.
Monitor Your Energy Usage
Whether you check this daily, weekly or monthly, make sure you regularly keep an eye on your energy bill to make sure it aligns which your weekly or monthly budgets . Using this method is a great way to track your monthly outgoings which could possibly set you up for future finances. Whether you are a new homeowner or an existing homeowner, make sure to look around at different energy companies to make sure you get the best rate.
