There are lots of simple tips to help keep your energy bills down. A good way to start, is to take regular meter readings, especially when requested by your supplier, to make sure you’re being charged the correct amount. If an energy supplier doesn’t receive a meter reading, they’ll estimate your usage, which may lead to a higher or lower bill.
If you’re not sure how to read your meter, Citizens Advice can help. Call them on 0800 144 8848 or visit their website.
Practical energy saving tips
- Turning off at the plug saves an average of £45 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust (EST). Switch off electrical devices at the plug when you’re not using them, rather than leaving them on standby.
- Don’t overfill the kettle. This can save an average of £10 a year, according to EST. Only boil as much water as you need. The more water in the kettle, the more electricity is used.
- Always turn off the lights when you're not using them or when you leave a room. This can also help your bulbs last longer.
- If you can afford to, use energy-saving lightbulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and using one can save you around £55 over the lifetime of the bulb.
- Washing your clothes at a lower temperature uses less electricity. Washing at 30ºC rather than 40ºC could save you a third of the cost.
- Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. 16-21°C is comfortable for most people and will keep your home healthy.
- Fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads.
- Spend less time in the shower. Keeping your shower time to just four minutes will save a typical household around £60 a year according to EST, as well as saving on water costs.
- To prevent draughts, keep internal doors closed, use draught excluders at the bottom of doors, and shut curtains or blinds at night. Bathrooms and kitchens should be ventilated when being used too.
- On a sunny day, opening your curtains will let warmth into your house, but when it’s colder or the sun goes down don’t forget to close them to keep that heat in.
- Understand how your heating and hot water system works. Your home may have a thermostat and programmer controls. Make sure you know how to use them to run the system in the most energy-efficient way.