6 simple energy saving tips you need to know

As energy bills continue to rise, many of us have become more conscious of our usage and want to find easy ways in how to cut back our consumption. Here are six simple tips to help save money on your gas and electricity bills this winter…

1. Give your radiators a health check

Heating during the winter is one of the main contributions to high energy bills, so it’s important to check that your radiators are in good working order. Trapped air in your radiator causes your heating system to be less efficient, so if the top of it feels cooler than the bottom or if you hear gurgling sounds then it’s needs bleeding.

There’s also no point heating rooms in your home that aren’t being used that often. If your radiators have individual thermostats, turn them down or completely off as this can help reduce your monthly energy consumption.

2. Draught-proof windows and doors

Your windows and doors can allow more heat to escape than you think. To identify where any draughts might be coming from, walk around your property and run the back of your hand around window frames and exterior doors.

Installing draught excluders, weather stripping and heavy curtains in the affected areas can be a cost-effective way of helping keep the cold air out.

3. If you’re not using it, turn it off

Many electronics and appliances use energy even when they’re ‘‘off’’. Leaving devices on standby still uses power, with the main sources usually being computers, televisions and printers. It’s estimated that you can save up to approximately £65 a year by turning off standby devices, so if you’re not using them, unplug them completely¹.

The same goes for lights. Avoid leaving lights on when not in use and remember to turn them off when you leave a room.

4. Make the switch to LED

Talking of lights, making the switch to LED light bulbs can provide drastic energy savings over alternatives. LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer². By swapping all your lightbulbs for LEDs, you could save approximately £55 a year³.

5. Use your washing machine wisely

We know it sounds simple, but reducing the number of loads you wash means you’ll save on both your water and energy costs. Also, don’t forget, washing your clothes at a lower temperature or using an eco-wash setting can also help you save on your bills in the long term.

6. Get clever with your cooking

One of the most ‘energy thirsty’ appliances in your kitchen is your oven. If you’re only using your oven to cook one thing, why not use the rest of the oven space to batch cook something for a meal another day?

You may also want to consider using smaller electric appliances, like air-fryers and slow cookers, as these are more cost-effective and energy efficient when it comes to cooking food and reheating leftovers.

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