Energy saving tips in the home
Energy price rises have become an unwelcome part of our lives. It can feel like we are not in control of our own budgets, and that’s really stressful.
However, recent research suggests that UK households could knock pounds off our bills, just by making small tweaks to how we use our appliances.
Here are some common habits and suggested switches:
- Leaving devices on standby – so many of us are guilty of this, but it can be a big, unnecessary cost: £45 per year! According to the National Grid, the devices most commonly left on standby are: phones, tablets, computers and laptops left on charge,
smart speakers and smart home devices, set top boxes and recorders, TVs and microwaves. - Relying on the tumble dryer – we aren’t always blessed with good weather, but Essex is dryer than most of the UK. When you can, dry your clothes outside and save £50 a year.
- Overfilling kettles – as a nation, we drink more than 1,000 cuppas every year, which can add up! Only boil as much water as you need, saving £10 a year, and don’t boil, forget, then reboil: this costs around £14 a year and, with our hard water in the Braintree District, can affect the taste of your tea.
- Misusing your oven – pre-heating the oven for longer than needed wastes on average £10 every year. Cooking for one is usually best done using other methods, where possible. If you’re using an air fryer, don’t forget to reduce the cooking time.
- Using the wrong washing machine cycle – eco cycles take more time, but they use less energy. Even better, they stress your clothes less so they will look good for longer. This could save you £18 per year.
- Lingering in the shower – according to Energy Live News, showers take the biggest chunk of change from your energy bills. A third of us in the UK take longer than 20 minutes in the shower, which could add £120 to your bill.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website to find out so much more about cutting your energy costs.
