Small changes can make a big difference
At a time when energy costs are rising, small changes can make a big difference - reducing the amount we spend on energy bills, and also helping to protect the environment. Here are some top tips to save on energy.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust and Ovo Energy
Switch off standby
Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug 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.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid overfilling the kettle
Only filling as much water as you need when boiling the kettle can around save £11 per year.
Take shorter showers
Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £65 a year on their energy bills.
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.
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 free to download and is available for both Android and iPhone users.
Download the HEAT app on Google Play
Download the HEAT app on Apple’s App Store