How to Reduce My Energy Bills

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How to Reduce My Energy Bills

Importance of Saving Energy

Saving energy is not only good for the planet, but it’s also great for your wallet. With energy costs on the rise, making small changes to how you use energy at home can lead to significant savings. This article provides practical tips to help you cut your energy bills, access available assistance, and adopt more efficient habits.


How Much Could You Save?


Government Assistance For My Bills

Assistance is available to help you with your energy bills or to replenish your prepayment meter. Additionally, you may qualify for government and energy supplier benefits, grants, and aid.

For more information on the Energy bills support scheme for homes and businesses.


Top 10 Ways to Save on Energy Bills

1. Cut Down on the Tumble Dryer

clothes drying on a washing line

Line drying your clothes during warmer months can be very easy and cost-effective. Using the tumble dryer less frequently throughout the year could save you a considerable amount of money on your energy bills.

If you are struggling to dry clothes indoors through the winter months, look at using a dehumidifier with a laundry setting to help with moisture in the home and cut drying times.

2. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use

someone turning the tv off with a remote

One of the easiest ways to save energy in your home is to unplug any electronics that you aren't using.

Even when an appliance or device is turned off, it can still draw small amounts of electricity if it's plugged in. Unplugging unused devices can reduce your monthly energy bills. Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about.

Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record.

3. Turn Off Lights

someone turning the light switch off

Taking advantage of natural light is another great way to save energy in your home! During the day, open curtains or blinds so that natural light can come into the room instead of relying on costly artificial lighting sources like lamps or overhead lights.

4. Replace Old Light Bulbs With LED Bulbs

someone turning the light switch off

Another easy way to save energy in your home is to replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last much longer too! Replacing just a few light bulbs in your home can make a big difference over time.

5. Wash Clothes With Cold Water

someone turning the light switch off

Did you know that washing your clothes with cold water can save a significant amount of energy? Most of the energy used in a typical laundry cycle goes towards heating the water, so by using cold water, you can save on your energy bills each month while still getting clean clothes.

  • Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures
  • To conserve energy, aim to reduce your washing machine usage by one cycle per week for a year

6. Replace Your Bath With a Refreshing Shower

woman putting dishes into a dishwasher

Showers are unsung superheroes when it comes to saving hot water and money. By swapping your bath for a shower, you can slash those energy bills and make a real difference. If you don't want to bid farewell to your bathtub, simply install a water-efficient showerhead and cut down your shower time. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet.

7. Run Full Dishwasher Loads

woman putting dishes into a dishwasher

Dishwashers save you time and energy compared to washing dishes by hand. But, did you know that it's more eco-friendly and cost-effective to run your dishwasher when it's full? Running a half-empty dishwasher wastes water and energy, so try to wait until its completely loaded before running a cycle.

8. Save Energy in the Kitchen

boiling water being poured from a kettle into a mug

The kitchen is a hub of activity in every home, but it can also be a major source of energy consumption.

One simple way to reduce your energy usage in the kitchen is by paying attention to your kettle use. Boiling excess water and heating the kettle for longer than necessary can waste a significant amount of energy over time. Instead, aim to boil only the amount of water you need for your beverages.

Other ways to save energy in the kitchen include using energy-efficient appliances, cooking with lids on pots and pans, and keeping your refrigerator and freezer well-maintained.

9. Install Programmable Thermostats

programmable thermostat

Installing programmable thermostats is another great way to save energy in your home.

Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, so you don't have to worry about wasting energy when no one is home or when everyone is sleeping at night.

Shop our range of time controllers here!

10. Insulate Your Home Properly

windows being insulated

Proper insulation in your home can make a huge difference in the amount of energy you consume. By properly insulating your loft, walls, and floors, you can save up to £95 on your energy bills each year*. Insulation will help keep heat trapped inside during the winter months and prevent it from entering during the summer months.

Insulating doesn't have to be a big, expensive job.

Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and letterboxes to reduce drafts. Adding draft excluders to doors and maintaining cavity wall insulation can also make a big difference.


Best Times to Use Energy

The best time to use energy is during off-peak hours when demand for energy is lower. This is typically late at night or early in the morning. Using energy during these times can help you save money on your utility bills as some energy providers offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours.

Contact your energy provider to find out the most cost-effective times to use your energy.

Off peak energy diagrams

Understanding Vampire Appliances

One of the biggest sources of energy waste in homes are "vampire" appliances, which continue to draw small amounts of electricity even when they are turned off. To find out more about vampire appliances see our article Vampire Appliances.


There are many small changes that you can make in your daily routine to save energy and reduce your utility bills. By implementing these practical tips, you can lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.

*All figures are accurate as of January 2024, based on a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house in England, Wales, or Scotland, using a typical energy tariff and paying by direct debit.


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