It isn’t rocket science; we know in order to achieve lower bills we need to reduce our energy consumption.
You’ve got the classics down to a tee: Turning off the lights when you leave a room, cold cycles on your washing machine, decreasing the degrees on the heating.
Implementing the 10 life hacks below can see your bills dwindle even further, leaving you to enjoy a healthier bank balance… not to mention your new ‘eco warrior’ status!
1. Fill up the washing machine
It’s a common misconception that more clothes equals more energy. Not true. Washing full loads means less energy per item. Load it up!
2. Upcycle old jeans
Simply fill with stuffing and sew the ends: your very own draught excluder! Breathe new life into your old jeans whilst reducing waste (and the need to turn on the heating). Result!
3. Bottle it up
Fill a drinks bottle with pebbles (or marbles) and place into the toilet cistern. This will reduce the amount of water you use with every flush. Massively useful for those who have water meters in their homes.
4. Lids on!
Keep lids on your pots and pans when cooking. Less heat will escape meaning shorter cooking times and less energy consumed.
5. Freezing frenzy
Pack your freezer tightly to eradicate any spaces. Any unfilled space makes your freezer work overtime to cool those areas. Use jugs or containers and fill with water to pack in any spaces.
6. Invest in multi sockets
When was the last time your TV was completely “off” and not on standby? Televisions remain on standby so we can simply flick a switch and they’re on - but this uses more energy than when they're fully off. Your TV isn’t the only energy-sapping culprit - DVD players, digital TV boxes, games consoles and phone chargers are all common offenders. Try plugging such devices into a single, multi-plug extension so you can simply flick one switch on you way to bed, safe in the knowledge that you won’t be notching up your energy bill.
7. Layer up
It sounds like a simple measure – and it is! However, many of us are too quick to reach for the thermostat when it gets too cold… Or the air con/fans when it’s too warm. Try changing your clothes accordingly to see if using more power is really necessary. The results will surprise you, and your bank balance will thank you!
8. Harness your inner green God(dess)
Plant trees. Not only will you improve air quality for you and your neighbours (trees suck up harmful CO2 and replace it with lovely, fresh oxygen) but the shade in the summer will mean you are less likely to need to turn to fans or air conditioning. Houses with established trees can save up to 25% in cooling energy costs during summer.
9. Upgrade your tech
‘Smart thermostats’ and smart meters are about to be big news. Be a (relatively) early adopter by investing in smart energy technology. It can control the heating, lights and general energy outputs in your home, auto adjusting to save you money. You can control it on the go from your phone, and some smart tech even ‘learns’ when you aren’t around, and reduces energy output during these periods. Try Nest or Hive.
10. Switch energy providers!
Changing energy providers is the single quickest and most drastic way you can save money on energy. Using our energy comparison website, 10% of our customers save at least £330 on their bills after switching. It takes minutes, and it can all be done online in minutes!
