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We are currently experiencing a cost of living crisis here in the UK, and as a result many families are struggling financially.
Wages are stagnant while inflation is high, meaning less money in our pockets as bills continue to rise.
Most notably, energy prices have hit a record high with households seeing their gas and electricity bills increase by up to 54%.
…So what can we do about it? Unfortunately there’s no great secret to slashing energy bills.
Even if you moved supplier, it’s unlikely that you’d make a significant saving since it’s the wholesale price of energy that’s been affected.
The only real thing within our control, is our energy usage.
Here, we have compiled a list of 100 ways to save energy at home.
How many can you implement? And how much money can you save?
What is the Best Way to Save Energy at Home?
There’s not one single tip that will have a monumental effect on the size of your gas & electricity bill.
If it was as simple as ‘ditch your tumble dryer and save £300!’ then we’d all be laughing.
But the biggest and most effective thing you can do is consume less.
Sounds obvious, but if you’re not using the energy you can’t be charged for it!
So the best way to save energy? Turn it off.
You might also enjoy…Frugal Living Tips with a Big Impact
100 Ways to Save Energy at Home
Unfortunately, unless you live in a solar powered cabin, off grid in the woods somewhere… you’re going to use energy.
Modern society means we are more plugged in than ever. This is particularly true if you find yourself at home more these days.
However, there are lots of little ways that we can reduce our usage.
Done in isolation, these tips will probably save you pennies at best. But remember, the little bits all add up!
Here are 100 ways to save energy at home:
- Check if you qualify for warm home discount
- Turn down the thermostat
Most households feel comfortable with the thermostat set between 18-21 degrees. Turning it down just one degree could save up to £80 a year. - Turn lights off when you leave a room
- Install a smart meter
If you can see what you’re using, you’ll be more intentional. - Install double glazing
- Use the eco setting on your dishwasher
- Insulate the attic
Heat rises, so make sure your loft is well insulated. - Unplug gadgets when they are fully charged (AND the charger!)
- Seal draughts
Draughty windows, doors and letterboxes can let the warm air escape and the cold air in. - Take a shower instead of a bath
- Install cavity wall insulation
There are lots of schemes and grants in place that let you install cavity wall and loft insulation for free. - Reduce your shower time
- Switch to energy saving bulbs
According to the energy saving trust, you can save £2-3 per year for every traditional halogen bulb you switch to a similarly bright LED bulb. - Use the eco setting on your washing machine
- Use a heated clothes airer
They are much cheaper to run than using the heating. - Bleed your radiators
- Lower the flow temperature on your boiler
Have a combi boiler? You can cut your gas bill by up to 8% by reducing the flow temperature on your boiler – your house will be just as warm, but you’ll use less gas. - Wear layers to keep warm
- Clean your appliances
Grimy appliances have to work harder and therefore use more energy. Descale your kettle, wash your vacuum filter, clean out your dishwasher filters – not only will it save energy but it’ll prolong the life of the appliance too. - Get your boiler serviced annually
- Dry clothes outside
- Don’t leave appliances on standby
According to research by British Gas, households could save up to 23% on their electric bills by switching off ‘vampire’ electronics – those that continue to drain power when left on standby (think electronics – TVs, set top boxes, computers, games consoles, phone chargers…) - Use lids on saucepans
- Only boil what you need
Don’t overfill the kettle for one cup of tea.. - Only use the washing machine for a full load
- Fill a flask
…but if you boil too much keep the extra in a flask to use later to save boiling the kettle again. - Turn off devices when not in use
- Line your curtains
Hang thick curtains to stop heat escaping, or if you’re handy with a sewing machine add some lining to your existing curtains. - Turn radiators off or down in infrequently used rooms
- Check your fridge-freezer door seals
Broken seals will allow warm air in and the cold air to escape. - Install radiator reflectors
- Clean the fridge-freezer coils
It’s not something many of us think to do, but vacuuming the dust off the back of the fridge freezer will keep it running more efficiently. - When buying new appliances, check their energy rating
- Ensure your radiators aren’t being blocked by furniture
If a large piece of furniture is in front of a radiator then you won’t feel the benefit of it. Pull furniture away from the radiators so heat can circulate. - Add a clean towel to the dryer to reduce drying time
- Turn the oven/hob off slightly earlier
It’ll stay hot enough to cook your food, but will use less energy. - Seal gaps in floorboards and skirting boards
- Don’t dry clothes on radiators
Not only does it cause condensation, it blocks the heat from circulating the room and is the least energy efficient way to dry your clothes. Try placing clothes on a clothes horse near a radiator instead. - Keep throws/blankets in the living room
- Regularly defrost your freezer
The more ice in your freezer, the harder it has to work to keep cold. - Switch your quilt with the seasons
- Swap your shower head
Power showers are one of the most energy-consuming appliances. Swap to an energy efficient shower head such as an non-aerating which creates more pressure without using more energy. - Cover hard floors with rugs
- Insulate your pipes
- Keep your hob clean
Grease and burnt on food will absorb the heat when your hob is on meaning more energy will be used to cook your food, so keep it clean! - Turn down the water heat on your boiler
- Clean your radiators
You can buy flexible radiator brushes for just a few quid. Push out all the dust and fluff that accumulates so that the radiator can emit warmth more effectively. - Empty the lint in your tumble dryer filter
- Insulate your hot water tank (if you have one)
- Use your fridge effectively
Defrost frozen food in the fridge to help keep it cool and don’t put leftovers in until they are completely cooled – warm food will make it work harder to cool everything which uses more energy. - Use a slow cooker
- Check your tariff
If you are on a variable tariff, your energy might be cheaper at certain times of the day. Use energy sapping appliances when the cost is lower. - Use hot water bottles
- Batch cook
If you’re already using the oven, consider batch cooking. Cook twice as many meals but only use the oven once – saving time and energy. - Wash at a lower temperature
- Don’t pre-rinse your dishes
It’s a waste of hot water and dishwashers clean more efficiently when there is dirt to cling to. - Open the blinds instead of turning on the lights in the morning
- Stop washing clothes after one wear
If they’re not dirty or smelly, they’re probably okay for an extra wear. - Have an electronics free evening
- Fill the sink
Before shaving or washing your face, fill the sink rather than leaving the warm water running. - Keep your fridge around 3/4 full for optimum efficiency
- Use a manual lawn mower
- Fridge Position
Make sure it’s away from radiators, the oven and out of direct sunlight or it’ll have to work harder to keep cool. - Don’t use the dishwasher’s drying feature (let them air dry)
- Dust lightbulbs
Dusty bulbs can reduce their efficiency by up to 50%! - Close doors behind you to keep the heat in
- Get outside
When the weather is nice, get yourself and the family outside. Fresh air is good for you and it means one less day of running electronics. - Consider using a pressure cooker
- Reduce the brightness on TVs and device screens
- Turn down the thermostat when you go out
There’s no point heating an empty house. - Turn devices on to energy saving mode (if they have one)
- Use candles in the evenings
Turn off the main lights and create a relaxing ambience with candles instead. - Don’t turn lights on in the daytime
- Turn large appliances off once you’ve used them
Any appliance with a digital display (washing machine, dishwasher, oven) will still use energy even if it isn’t currently in use. - Turn off extractor fans and open a window
- Minimise TV time
Read a book or play a game instead. - Heat food in the microwave instead of the oven
- Keep the oven door clean/closed
If you can’t see through your oven door and find yourself opening it to check your food, you’re losing up to 25 degrees every time you do so. - Don’t store electric toothbrushes in their charging dock
- Use the hob ring that matches the size of your pan
…and use the right size pan for the amount of food you’re cooking. - Soak dirty clothes before washing to avoid rewashing
- Check your clothes
Shake out clothes before putting in the tumble dryer – balled socks and tangled clothing will take longer to dry. - Run an extra spin on the washing machine to reduce drying time.
- Use a toaster instead of the grill
- Clean your tumble dryer vent
No, not the lint filter (though do empty that each time!) – check the vent isn’t over blocked with fluff too. - Put external/security lights on motion detectors
- If you have a chimney, use a chimney balloon
- Only run your dishwasher when it is full
Cutting down usage by one cycle a week could save up to £14 a year! - Glass and ceramic pans retain heat better than metal pans
- Run your dishwasher on the right setting
If you’re only washing lightly used plates and glasses, you don’t need it on a longer, intensive cycle designed for cleaning pots and pans. - Don’t charge your mobile overnight
- Steam, don’t boil
Steaming cooks vegetables more quickly than boiling (they taste better too!) - Defrost food overnight in the fridge, or at room temperature in the day rather than using the microwave
- Try reducing your tumble dryer time
Put the cycle on for 10 minutes less than usual and check your clothes – you might find they are already dry and you’ve been over drying. - If clothes aren’t soiled, use the quick wash cycle
- Use saucepans with a flat bottom to distribute heat better
- Hang clothes while slightly damp
You can cut the time using the dryer and avoid having to iron the clothes too - Leave the oven door open after use to heat the room (if safe to do so)
- Shorten cooking times
A metal skewer through meat or potatoes, covering food with tin foil or chopping large pieces of meat into smaller chunks will all shorten the cooking time. - And finally… submit regular meter readings
Though it doesn’t change your usage, providing your supplier with regular readings (if you don’t have a smart meter) will ensure your bills are accurate and not over estimated.
What tips would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
