Energy saving tips

Energy drainers to avoid

• If you need to boil a pan of water, use your kettle – it uses far less energy than heating from cold in a pan. And don’t fill your saucepan to the top; just use enough water to cover what you’re cooking.
• How many times have you boiled the kettle and walked away, only to come back five minutes later to boil it again? What a waste! Another good way to save energy is to only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.
• Try to only use one bowl of water when washing up, and avoid rinsing plates as it wastes clean water. If you use a dishwasher, fill it completely before you put it on.
• Today’s washing detergents are very effective at 30 degrees, so try to avoid washing laundry on a higher setting. Wait until you have a full load too – that saves on water as well as energy. Use an eco-wash setting if you can.
• Try to reduce the amount of tumble drying you do and line dry where possible.
• Clean around the back of your fridge, as dusty coils can make it work harder. Don’t overfill it and try not to leave the door wide open.

Take control of your heating

Are you heating rooms that aren’t being used? Make sure all your radiators have thermostats on them – and use them. The Energy Saving Trust suggests that turning down your thermostat by just one degree could save around £80 per year.

And check whether heat could be leaving your home through gaps. Thick curtains, draught excluders, even a piece of putty in a small gap around a window will help keep the heat in.

Light up

Changing your 40W light bulb to a new energy-efficient 8W could cut your energy usage by around 20 per cent. Also, turning off lights that don’t need to be on is an easy money-saver.

Wash for less

According to the Energy Saving Trust, if just once a week a family of four opts for a five-minute shower instead of a bath, it could save up to £25 a year on their gas bill. And if you spend a minute less, then you could save an additional £7 per person every year. Consider changing your shower head to an eco version, too. A family of four can save around £74 a year on gas and £120 on water (if they have a meter).

Monitor your energy

By 2020, every home in England, Scotland and Wales will have a smart meter, which will show you how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence. Smart thermostats are also available, such as Nest and Hive, which give you maximum flexibility when it comes to managing your heating. You can even control your heating when you’re out, using your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Long-term Investments

If you’re not planning to move in the near future, then it may be worth looking at more longer-term energy-saving solutions. Solar panels can make you money in the long run (you’ll save about £70 on your electricity bill each year), as well as giving you free energy. Re-insulating your home is another good investment, as is replacing your boiler if it’s getting old. Look online for information on grants that are available.

Compare

Hopefully, some of our energy-saving tips will make a difference in your home. But don’t sit back and accept what you’re paying for your energy, especially if your supplier has recently increased their prices. Just dig out your latest energy bill, start a quote with us and we can tell you if you could save by switching to another provider.