Cut the Costs, Not the Comfort: Smart Energy Tips That Can Save You Money!

If you were to apply just the changes with a £ saving below, you could save around £313 a year!

Heating spaces

Did you know the recommended temperature during cold weather is 21°C (70°F) in main areas and 18°C (64°F) in other rooms such as your bedroom. However, if you were to turn it down by just 1°C when your room is comfortably warm, it will save you money. In fact, this can save you up to £90 a year

Closing doors and using draft stoppers will help to keep heat in rooms as will closing windows helping you to save money on heating your home.

All rooms

Lights – Turning lights off when leaving the room can save you around £20 a year

Lightbulbs - Did you know LED bulbs can save around £45 a year

Power off - Getting into the habit of turning off items such as your television at the socket or on the set and not leaving it on standby can save around £55 a year

Charging - Do you often leave items like your phone or other items on charge overnight or generally longer than needed? By only charging as long as needed, you will prevent waste and save.

Bedroom

It takes time for rooms to cool down so you might also think about turning the heating off before you go to bed. But remember, it’s important that you keep yourself sufficiently warm and safe.

Close the curtains at dusk to reduce heat escaping ready for when you go to bed. Did you know that floor-standing curtains provide extra protection from heat loss and if you have radiators behind them, it’s a good idea to tuck the curtains behind.

Use a thicker duvet tog in the colder months and get the blankets and fluffy clothing out when relaxing in the front room to keep snuggly.

Bathroom

Shower - If you’re able to reduce time, aiming for around 4 minutes you can save around £65 a year

Kitchen

Kettle - By only adding the water you need you can save around £11 a year

Washing machine - If you wash at 30°C and do one less wash a week can save around £27 a year

Washing up –fill a bowl and not leave the tap running saves water waste.

Food and Cooking (small changes)

If you cut food into smaller pieces, it can speed up the cooking time. Another good option is to cook food in batches, storing the extra portions in the freezer. When it comes to defrosting, do this overnight in the fridge rather than using an appliance

It’s a good idea to use a microwave to cook or heat food as it tends to be a much more efficient method of cooking. And if you cover the food with an appropriate lid or pierced cling film then it holds moisture which speeds up the cooking time.

If you do choose to use the oven, try to keep the door closed as much as possible to avoid heat loss.

When it comes to the hob, using the correct size pans and keeping the pan lids on will reduce the cook time. Where-as choosing to simmer over boiling or reducing the heat when close to boil helps to save energy. And like with the kettle, using just enough water to cover the food rather than filling the pan.

And don't forget our Disability Energy Support team are available to provide telephone or email support on a number of areas. Request contact including a tailored action plan with helpful information, here - Disability Energy Support | Disability charity Scope UK