Reducing Your Energy Bills In 2022 and Beyond

Reducing Your Energy Bills In 2022 and Beyond

Energy prices are at their highest levels in years and look set to remain that way for at least the next 12-18 months. Millions of people across the UK will have to find ways to lower their energy usage to save money, so we’ve put together a list of suggestions to help you make the changes you need.

• Wash clothes on lower temperatures

The Energy Saving Trust recommend that you wash clothes at 30 degrees to save a few pounds every year. The higher the temperature, the more energy you use and, in most cases (where there are no heavy stains), your clothes will still come out perfectly clean when washed on a lower setting. This doesn’t mean that you can never wash on higher temperatures, but if you can avoid doing it too much you will see the difference on your bill.

• Take a shorter shower

Even if you use an eco shower head that reduces the amount of water used, the length of time you spend in there still makes a big difference. Having a shorter shower means you use less water and gas while also saving money. The Energy Saving Trust estimate that by replacing one bath with a shower every week, you can save up to £20 combined on water and electricity bills.

• Air dry clothes

Tumble dryers are very convenient appliances, although they do contribute to your energy bills. Where possible, try to hang your clothes outdoors or close to an open window to let them dry naturally. You can also dry them indoors, providing it doesn’t create too much condensation, and drying outdoors is something that is much easier to do in the spring and summer months.

• Install a heat pump system

This is a change that can really make a difference to your home. Heat pump services are more popular than ever as people search for more efficient and eco-friendly heating systems. Heat pumps simply take the heat from the air outside and pump it into your home to provide heating and hot water. The Energy Saving Trust say they will become the cheapest form of heating in years to come and they could help you reduce your energy bills. They are simple to install, easy to maintain and are well worth looking into.

• Avoid charging your phone overnight

It usually only takes a couple of hours to charge a phone and plugging it in to charge overnight means you are using a lot more electricity than you need. When a plug is connected to a socket and turned on it will continue to supply energy until it is switched off, so apply this principle to as many appliances and gadgets as possible. Experts also say that overcharging your phone can damage the battery. The ideal sweet spot should be between 40-80%.

• Install a smart meter

Energy suppliers are encouraging people to install smart meters, so you have a better idea on how much energy you use. Smart meters provide real-time information so you can monitor your usage and make changes where needed. Smart Energy GB, who are responsible for smart meter campaigns, discovered that 85% of households that installed one were able to make money saving changes. They cost nothing upfront and are paid for via your energy bill.

• Don’t overpack your fridge

The more items you have stored in your fridge, the harder it needs to work to maintain the temperature and circulate cold air. Try to keep it about three-quarters full at most to avoid putting too much strain onto the system. If the motor on your fridge fails it will breakdown, which will mean paying for maintenance repairs or even a new one, which can cost a lot of money.

• Defrost your freezer

Too much ice in the freezer reduces its efficiency, forcing it to use more electricity to keep your food frozen. You should defrost your freezer at least once a year and check that the seals are in good condition to keep out as much moisture from the air as possible (which is where the ice comes from).

• Layer up

You don’t have to rely on the heating to do all the work to keep you warm. Put on a jumper or thicker socks instead of turning on the heating during the day, so you are not tempted to turn on the boiler. This is something you can also do with the heating on at a lower temperature, which will also save you money. And as the warmer months creep in, you won’t have to worry so much about layering up.

• Don’t block your radiators

Try to avoid putting large items directly in-front of a radiator as it is more difficult for the heating to circulate around the room. If you have a sofa or other items positioned in-front of a radiator, this gives you a good excuse to refresh the layout of the room. Also keep your radiators clear from any dust as this helps them to heat your rooms more efficiently.

• Make use of your curtains

When the sun is out, open the curtains in your home as this will help to warm up each room. Even on winter days when the sun is out it can make a difference of 1-2 degrees, which means you can delay turning on the heating. The reverse is also true when it starts to get dark, so close the curtains when the evening starts to draw in.

• Plan your cooking

By planning what you are going to cook and when, you can make the most of when the oven and hobs are on, so electricity and gas isn’t wasted unnecessarily. So, instead of turning on the oven twice and waiting for it to heat up, you could try to cook a few things at the same time, which will reduce the amount of time it is on. This may not always be possible as schedules can change, but if you can do it on most days of the week it will cut down your energy consumption. 

Guest Article.