20 energy-saving tips every family can use to save money on bills, say energy experts
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Eloise Hill
Content writer1. Only run your washing machine when you have a full load
Less cycles = less water wasted.
2. Wash your clothes at the lowest possible temperature (even when they're muddy)
You can wash lightly soiled clothes at 30C or possibly even 20C, according to Which ? Those cycles use 38% less and 68% less energy, respectively. And most of the time, lower temperatures will clean your clothes perfectly well.
3. Opt for the coolest, shortest and lowest water machine cycle when you can
And remember, this option won't necessarily be labelled as 'eco' on your machine.
4. Avoid using tumble dryers
You can dry your laundry outside or on a clothes drying rack for FREE ... and a heated towel rail works wonders during the colder months.
6. Never leave the tap on when cleaning your teeth or washing up
There's just no need.
7. Switch one of your baths to a shower each week
Baths and showers account for around 34% of home water usage, according to Waterwise.org.uk . Usually, taking a shower uses less water than filling the tub up.
8. Utilise a slow cooker or air fryer
These appliances can cook food more energy-efficiently, often requiring less electricity than an oven and in the case of a pressure cooker or air fryer, in less time too. (Check out our list of best air fryers for families .)
9. Use your dishwasher less
Like washing machines, dishwashers are most energy-efficient when you only run them with a full load.
10. Use your microwave whenever possible
They're quicker and more energy efficient than using the oven.
11. Make your freezer more efficient by filling it with cardboard or water bottles
By filling in the gaps in your freezer, there's less room for warmer air to circulate, making them more energy-efficient.
12. Don't overfill your kettle
You don't need to fill the whole kettle for one cup of tea! Boil just as much as you need.
13. Use a draught brush on your letterbox, exterior doors, and any keyholes
Draught-excluding form tubing is also useful on windows and around skirting boards for keeping the cold out during the cooler months.
14. Put foil on the walls behind radiators or have radiator reflector panels fitted on exterior walls
Doing this will reflect any heat back into your room, so it doesn't get lost in the walls.
15. Always switch the lights off when you leave a room
And ensure you have energy-efficient bulbs fitted too.
16. Lower the thermostat by just 1C
Experts say lowering your thermostat by only 1C could save you more than £100 per year.
17. Don't leave radiators on in empty rooms
Why leave them running when there's nobody there to feel the benefit?
18. Regularly bleed the radiators
This helps get rid of trapped air which prevents warm air from circulating throughout the interior of the radiator.
19. Keep furniture away from radiators so more heat can circulate
Again, you don't want to waste any heat!
20. Always shut your blinds and curtains at dusk
Another clever cost-free way to reduce heat loss from your home.
Many of us are struggling financially at the moment, with energy prices through the roof. Here are 20 simple saving tips we can ALL be benefiting from right now.
From how you wash your clothes through to showers, heating (and everything in between), these are a MUST ...
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