8 Energy Saving Tips
At a time when energy costs are rising, there are some small changes that can make a big difference when it comes to reducing the amount we are spending on heating and electricity bills. They may sound really simple, but even little changes can help.
1. Switch off standby
Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the socket switch without upsetting their programming. You can save around £55 per year by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode – but remember to check the details of your appliances before turning them off.
2. Turn off lights
Turning your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room could save around £20 a year on your annual energy bills.
3. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
Switching to energy efficient LED light bulbs can reduce bills by £30. LEDs also have a longer lifespan of around 34 years, compared to just over one year for incandescent bulbs.
4. Wash clothes at a lower temperature
Washing clothes at 30˚C saves around 40% of the energy that gets used when washing at higher temperature. Reducing your washing machine use – e.g., by avoiding washing half loads – will also reduce energy costs.
5. Avoid overfilling the kettle
Only filling as much water as you need when boiling the kettle can around save £11 per year.
6. Take shorter showers
Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £65 a year on their energy bills.
7. Budgeting in the summer
If you have a pre-payment meter, it can be helpful to budget energy costs in the summer in order to manage increased energy consumption and costs during the winter.
8. Download the free Herts Energy Saving Advice (HEAT) app
The HEAT app is for all Hertfordshire residents, designed to take you through your home and identify how you may be able to reduce your energy use, and in turn save you money. The app is available for both Android and iPhone users – on Google Play and the App Store.
Additional support
If you need extra support to pay for food, rent, heating, electric or other household essentials please let us know. We can help in many ways and we can also put you in touch with other organisations that can help too.
