How to reduce your energy bills
With many of us worrying about the huge price rise in energy bills, it is time to think of creative ways to keep warm and save energy at home while being kinder to the planet.
Did you know that 75% of our energy costs go on Laundry, Heating Water, and Heating our Homes?Heating Water
Small changes to how you use hot water can make a big splash on your savings:
- Turn the water temperature down a notch on your boiler.
- Get a water-saving shower head and time your showers.
- Always run full dishwasher loads to maximise efficiency.
Heat Ourselves, Not Just the House
If you work from home or sit for long periods, you'll feel the cold faster. We lose heat through bare heads, hands, and feet. Wrap up indoors to save loads!
The Indoor Wardrobe
- Slippers & thick socks
- Fingerless gloves & wrist warmers
- Woolly hats & scarves
- Vests & heavy cardigans
- Dressing gowns & blankets
Stay Warm in Bed
- Layer vests and leggings with pyjamas.
- Pop a thick blanket under the bottom sheet.
- Use a hot water bottle 15 minutes before bed.
- Air the room quickly in the morning to clear moisture.
PRO TIP: Wearing lots of thin layers works much better than wearing one heavy jumper! You can even make wrist warmers from old odd socks.
Insulate & Strategise
Good home insulation reduces heating bills significantly. Focus on keeping the heat where you actually are.
- Close the Curtains: Doing this at dusk can cut heat loss by 15%!
- Zone Your Heating: Heat fewer rooms and spend time together in one space.
- Work Upstairs: Heat rises, so an upstairs sunny room is the warmest spot for a home office.
- Maintenance: Bleed your radiators and check window latches for a tight seal.
Kitchen & Laundry Efficiency
Laundry Hacks
Laundry is typically 10% of household energy.
- Cut back from 5 loads to 3 or 4 a week.
- Use Eco cycles and wash at lower temperatures.
- Air dry on hangers to reduce the need for ironing.
Energy-Smart Cooking
- Use pressure cookers, slow cookers, or air fryers.
- Always put lids on pans and use the right ring size.
- Defrost your freezer and clean the dusty coils behind the fridge.
Lighting & Appliances
- Switch to energy-efficient bulbs and turn them off when leaving a room.
- Dust bulbs and shades regularly—dirt reduces light efficiency!
- Check your energy tariff and use a smart meter to stay in control.
- If buying new, always look for A-RATED appliances.
