Despite energy prices falling in April and being set to remain stable throughout the year, the price households in the UK pay for energy isn’t as low as they were pre-Covid. People are still paying a premium for their energy, and tips for cutting energy bills are still needed to help people avoid paying too much and using unnecessary energy. By implementing these tips, you cannot only reduce your environmental impact but also save a significant amount on your energy bills.
Heat Pumps
If you’re in the market to replace your boiler, it may be worth considering heat pumps. Heat pumps are more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional boilers for heating your water. Not only can heat pumps allow you to reduce your emissions by up to 75%, but you can cut your heating bills by up to 25% too. If your boiler has seen better days or you’re looking to upgrade to a more economical choice, it can be worth looking into whether or not a heart pump can work for you and find out how much you can save by opting for this over a boiler. By choosing a heat pump, you’re making a significant contribution to reducing your carbon footprint.
Avoid the Tumble Drier
Drying your clothes in the tumble drier or even radiators can significantly increase your energy bills. So, finding other ways to dry your clothes can help you cut down on bills and save some money.
Alternatives to the tumble dryer include drying and washing on the line. Even in the winter, you can still hang out towels and blankets. As long as the ground is dry and the air is free from moisture, you can hang washing out, and it will dry to some extent on the line; it might take longer, but you can still do it. You can choose to use electric airers, which run for around 8p per hour depending on the model or brand you buy. Having a cover for them or putting a fitted sheet over your heated airer can help to dry clothes quicker, too. If you can run your washing in the machine for an added spin and drain cycle, then hang items to dry on clothes maidens or radiators and run a dehumidifier to absorb moisture, it can help to dry clothes faster without consuming too much energy to do so.
Don’t use Standby
Leaving appliances on standby or keeping plugs in the sockets can be a costly habit, adding up to over £40 per year. Whether it’s small kitchen appliances, chargers, or TVs, these energy vampires are simply draining your money. Make it a habit to turn everything off at the plug or unplug when not in use. It might take some getting used to, but this simple act can save you a significant amount over the year, especially when combined with other energy-saving habits. Consider this: running a tumble dryer can cost you nearly £200 per year on average; add the £40 standby costs, and you’re essentially wasting £20 a month for nothing.
Fewer Baths, Shorter Showers
Make it a personal challenge to have fewer baths and reduce the time of your showers. This not only cuts down on your water consumption, potentially leading to lower bills if you’re on a water meter, but it also reduces energy costs for heating the water. The average shower time is around 8 minutes, but experts suggest they should be between 5 and 10 minutes. For even greater savings, conservationists recommend aiming for a 4-minute shower. Set a timer and see how you do. Remember, you don’t have to give up every bath if you enjoy them, and not every shower needs to be under 5 minutes. But being mindful of your water and energy usage can help you save money.
Block Draughts
Draught-proofing your home can save you up to £100 per year, depending on the extent of the draught and how effectively you fix it. You can get professional help to rectify issues; however, this can be expensive. Things like adding window film internally can block draughts coming in from your windows and filling gaps in the sealant around windows and doors can be effective. As can using draught excluders on internal and external doors, fixing damage to the roof if you have excess air entering and escaping via the roof and blocking cracks in skirting boards and floors can be helpful in conserving as much energy as possible.
There are so many small things you can do each year to save money on your utility bills and avoid paying any more than you need to. These tips are great places to start. The best part is, they’re easy to implement and can make a big difference in your energy consumption. So, don’t hesitate to start saving today!