Households are already feeling the pain due to rising energy bills and surging inflation. With the government now announcing that it is exploring options to end Russian natural gas supplies to the UK, knowing 10 ways to reduce your energy bills can only be a plus.
Energy bills are going up in April; approximately 18 million households on standard tariffs will see an increase of around £700 per year. Prepayment customers – around 4.5 million in total – will see an average increase of £708.
This is because the energy price cap (the maximum amount that energy suppliers in England, Scotland and Wales can charge) is being raised this April, which means that the new cap enables firms to increase bills by 54%.
Because of this, many households across the UK will face fuel poverty – when more than 10% of a household’s income is spent on fuel.
The cap will be updated in August with the new ceiling taking effect from the beginning of October 2022. With even more pressure on gas and oil prices because of the Russia-Ukraine war, only time will tell if the energy market has settled down by then. Otherwise it is likely that we will see even greater gas increases come autumn. So it is imperative that you find simple yet effective ways to reduce your energy bills.
1. Ensure your washing machine is full
A full load is far more efficient than a half load of laundry. Do fewer, fuller loads and save energy
2. Use the eco-setting
Almost all appliances now have an eco-setting – your dishwasher, washing machine, boiler. The eco-setting simply heats the water a little slower, which uses less energy, but you’ll get the same results.
3. Switch plugs off at the wall
Did you know that you could be spending around £35 per year on appliances that are on standby? Some plugs can easily be switched off at the wall; for others that would require more effort (who wants to try to reach behind the television every evening?) invest in a few smart plugs and you can turn it off with just a quick tap on your phone or tablet.
4. Close curtains in the evening
The sun will naturally heat your home in the day but when it gets dark, make sure you close the curtains to help keep retain the heat. However, it is important not to block your radiators.
5. Update your boiler
The more efficient your boiler, the less energy it uses. New models can save you in the region of £200 per year. With a range of flexible payment options available, it may be worth upgrading – yes, you will have to spend money initially but long term it will be worth the investment.
6. Unplug those chargers!
Once your device has been fully charged, remove that plug! Believe it or not, you could save around £60 on your energy bills.
7. Opt for the microwave
Did you know that using a microwave rather than your hob or oven will save you money? This is because a microwave heats food faster, thereby using less energy. You may also want to invest in a slow cooker as they are incredibly energy-efficient and only require a little forward planning.
8. Maintain your heating system
Your boiler may not need to be upgraded but it is important to keep it regularly maintained. An annual service minimises the chances of faults occurring and maximises its efficiency. During a service, your gas engineer will check, clean and replace parts to ensure it is operating at its best. They will also be able to catch any potential faults or issues before they become a real – and expensive – problem.
9. Invest in a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat enables you to operate your heating system via an app. This means that you can be anywhere in the world and control the temperature of your home. Some smart thermostats will gauge the best usage for your routine, whilst others can alter settings in line with the weather. You can also invest in smart thermostatic valves in order to remotely control the heat output in every room.
10. Lower your thermostat
You can expect to reduce your energy bills by 4% for each degree you cut. 18 degrees is the recommended temperature for healthy adults; if you are very old or young you may need to raise that by a degree or two. Plus rather than automatically turning up the heating, add a layer of clothing – it will save you money in the long run.
