There are plenty of simple ways to reduce your energy use and keep costs down. Small changes can make a real difference.
Energy Saving Tips:
1. Temperature and Heating Control
- Never below 16°C: Keep it cosy, not chilly. Temperatures below 16°C can increase the risk of damp and mould, which isn't good for your home or your health. We recommend keeping your home between 20°C and 21°Cto stay comfortable while helping to keep energy costs under control.
- 3°C set back: Heading out or off to bed? Drop your heating by 3°C. It keeps things efficient without letting the chill take over.
- Kitchen temperature guide: Your oven and appliances give off plenty of warmth. Set your kitchen heating to 18–19°C (between 2 and 3 on your radiator valve) and let the cooking do the rest.
- Keep a blanket on the sofa: Feel cold when you’re relaxing? Grab a blanket instead of the thermostat. Stay toasty without turning up the heat.
2. Ventilation, Moisture and Air Quality
- Too much moisture: Spot condensation or mould around the windows? That’s your cue to get some fresh air flowing. A little ventilation goes a long way.
- Open your windows wisely: Saving energy starts with smart airing. Only leave windows open for longer when it’s above 17°Coutside otherwise your walls cool down and your heating works overtime.
3. Hot Water and Bathroom Hacks
- Take short showers: Swap baths for quick showers. A 5 minute shower saves roughly 35-40 litres of hot water compared to a full bath.
- Washing up at lower temperatures: Great news: your dishes don’t need piping hot water. Washing up liquid works perfectly well at warm, hand-temperature water.
4. Radiator and Heating Efficiency
- Don’t cover your radiators: Let them breathe! Covering radiators traps heat and makes your heating work harder (and cost more).
- Feel your radiators: Warm top and cool bottom? Perfect. If the bottom is hot, you’re not using all the heat you’re paying for, which means you may we wasting energy. Bleed your radiators regularly to keep them working efficiently.
For more tips, we recommend the Energy Saving Trust and Which? websites.