20+ Simple Hacks To Reduce Energy Bills

1. Take shorter showers

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With the rising cost of living, it has become difficult for many people to cut costs effectively whilst maintaining necessities. Energy bills are often the main source of financial distress, and it has become increasingly difficult to manage their rising cost. However, there are a variety of ways you can decrease the cost of your energy bills. One of the main ways to do this, is to take shorter showers. By taking shorter showers, you can cut down on your water use, and decrease the amount of energy used to heat your water.

2. Turn appliances off

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Another way to decrease your energy bills, is to turn off your appliances completely. This means that you turn off any appliances from standby mode, as leaving your appliances on standby, will use up energy unnecessarily and increase your overall bill. Televisions are usually one of the appliances that use up the most energy, so it is advised that you turn off any televisions fully, if they're not in use. Another appliance that can be turned off standby, is your oven (only if it is electric), as it is not in constant use.

3. Avoid using a tumble dryer

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Tumble driers are one of the worst appliances to use, when you are trying to cut your energy costs. Of course, sometimes you can't avoid using a tumble dryer when sorting your laundry, but if you can use other methods of drying, it is best to do so. Some of the alternative drying methods you could use, include: pegging up laundry on a washing-line outside, hanging laundry on an airier in a well-ventilated room and going to a laundromat to use their appliances. However, if you do have to use a tumble dryer, it is best to use an 'eco' setting/shorter cycles.

4. Use energy-saving lightbulbs

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Another method to cut your energy costs, is by using energy-saving lightbulbs. By installing the right kind of energy-saving bulb, you will be able to save a large sum of money, in regards to your energy bill. Energy-saving bulbs can be purchased from a variety of retailers, and are easy to install. The best places to install these lightbulbs, include: bedrooms, living rooms, lamps and bathrooms. It is always best to check any specifications for your lighting, when looking to replace bulbs throughout your home.

5. Use a water efficient shower head

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Bathrooms are usually one of the main sources of energy consumption, within a household, so it is best to try and improve this overall consumption in any way possible. One of the ways you can do this, is by using a water-efficient shower head. By switching to this type of shower head, you can monitor your water usage efficiently, and can program the shower head to change setting when necessary e.g. if you need need a different pressure setting. You will also find, that these style of shower heads, have a longer warranty/'lifetime' guarantee.

6. Turn down your thermostat

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Heating your home is one of the biggest consumptions of energy, no matter the size, style or location of your home. The best way to monitor your energy usage, and cut down your overall cost of heating, is by turning down your thermostat. By keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature, and turning it off when not in use, you can cut back on your heating costs. It is always best to turn off your thermostat during certain points of the year, when heating isn't such a necessity e.g. during warmer months (especially during Spring and Summer).

7. Lower your boiler temperature

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Similarly to the last point, lowering your boiler temperature can help reduce your energy use and cost. Boiler can be the biggest waste of energy, if they're not being used correctly or efficiently. It is advised that you research the type of boiler you have, and the best ways to improve its overall performance and efficiency. Using your boiler on a timer setting is another great way to monitor your usage, as you can control when your boiler is in use (and for what duration of time). It is also advised that you turn on your boiler only when it's necessary.

8. Lower your radiator dial

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If you have central heating, it is likely that you will have radiators dotted around your home. These also provide a way of cutting your energy costs, and this is by lowering their dials. Similarly to a thermostat, lowering a radiator dial will reduce the overall heat being wasted, as well as the energy being used to heat them. It is also advised, that you turn off your radiator dials when they are not in consistent use, as this will also decrease the amount of energy/heat being wasted overall.

9. Add window film to your windows

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Moving on to another aspect of your home, your windows. Windows are often overlooked, when in reality, they should be monitored much more regularly. Windows are the main aspect of your home that have the ability to retain heat, which is what allows your home to heat up and maintain suitable warmth throughout the day. One of the ways you can improve this, is by installing window film over some of your windows. This film provides an extra layer to your windows, which will help trap any heat created within a room.

10. Draught-proof doors and windows

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One of the main ways that heat is lost within a home, is through strong draughts. These draughts are flows of cold air that enter and exit a room via doors and windows, dropping the temperature within a room dramatically. The most effective way to combat this, is by using draught blockers/excluders along the bottom of doors, and along window sills. Draught excluders are usually come in a range of designs, are quite heavy and often long enough to fit along the bottom of a door frame. Not only do they exclude any draughts, they also double-up as a door stop.

11. Turn off lights

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This next point may seem obvious, but it is often forgotten and/or ignored. Turning off your lights, is the biggest saver of energy in and around your home! It is easy to forget to do this, especially when you have a busy lifestyle/general day-to-day life. However, if you make the conscious effort to turn off all your lights (in the evening and when they're not in use), you will quickly see a dramatic difference in your energy costs. This, combined with the use of energy-saving light bulbs, will decrease your energy wastage within a matter of weeks.

12. Adjust your washing settings

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Another appliance that is probably wasting more energy than necessary, is your washing machine. There are a range of ways you can improve its performance, and overall energy usage. The best method of improving its overall energy usage, is by adjusting your washing settings (dependant on what you require for your washing). This means, using cooler temperatures and shorter cycles for washes, and trying to use the appliance during 'off-peak' times (when less people are using their appliances e.g. late afternoon/early morning).

13. Swap your bath for a shower

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Going back to the bathroom, the way you bathe may be wasting more energy than you realize. If you're taking regular baths, you are using up to five times as much water as you would if you took a shower every day! By switching your bath for a shower, or cutting down the amount of baths you have within a week, you will easily save money on water and energy. By opting for a shower, you will also be able to monitor your usage more efficiently, and you can also change your shower to use the energy-efficient settings.

14. Be savvy in the kitchen

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Another room in your home that consumes, and wastes, the most amount of energy is your kitchen. Whether you're using gas or electric, you're bound to be wasting water and energy throughput the kitchen. This is why it is important to be savvy within the kitchen, and research the best settings/usage for all of your appliances. The appliances you will want to focus on, include: your oven/cooker, your refrigerator/icebox, dishwasher and sink. These appliances should be monitored regularly, and serviced/replaced if their performance is not as energy-efficient.

15. Fill your dishwasher

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Staying in the kitchen, we're looking at the dishwasher. Your dishwasher can be the most energy-efficient appliance, but can also waste the most energy as well. It all comes down to the way you use it, and how you improve your overall performance. The main way to improve the longevity and usage of your dishwasher, is by filling it up completely before using it. By ensuring that it has a full load of washing, you will be able to save time, energy, water and cut down on the amount of washing you have to do by hand!

16. Top up your insulation

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This next home feature is usually forgotten about, as it is not within our sight day-to-day. The feature in question, is your home's insulation. Insulation is a key part of construction, and it plays a key role in the way your home maintains its temperature. If your insulation isn't maintained every few years, it can decrease in quality and will lead to you wasting more energy over time! It is best to invest in the maintenance of old and new insulation throughout your home, as it will aid you in saving larger sums of money for years to come.

17. Install a smart thermostat

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A more modern solution to the energy and cost of living crisis, is installing a smart thermometer and/or meter. This handy gadget, allows you to track and monitor your energy use, and costs, in real time; making it so much easier to cut unnecessary costs. The majority of energy companies, have introduced these to their customers, and are offering around-the-clock support for customers and their queries. They are very easy to install, are clear to understand and can be connected up to your cell phone (for on-the-go monitoring).

18. Invest in double-glazing

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As mentioned previously, windows are one of the main sources of heat loss, and there is a multitude of ways you can improve them. The most effective method, is by investing in double or triple glazing for your windows. This method involves adding another layer to the glass within your windows, so heat can be retained and/or removed effectively, without jeopardizing the overall temperature within a room. This style of glazing is effective within any form of weather/season of the year, and is a much more cost-effective way of lowering your energy costs.

19. Monitor your energy usage

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Another obvious way of reducing your energy costs, is simply by monitoring your energy use. Of course, this can be done in a range of ways, and there are methods of monitoring that suit every individual's needs. One of the most effective ways to monitor your overall usage, is it have a smart meter/thermometer installed, and keep a note of your energy bill prices each month. By monitoring your usage (more) closely, you will be able to highlight certain activities that may be wasting energy, and change your consumption habits.

20. Use your appliances efficiently

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As we looked at previously, the type of appliances you have, and the way you use them, can be detrimental to your energy costs. This is why it is increasingly important, to use your appliances as efficiently as possible. Some of the main appliances that should have monitored usage, include (but aren't restricted to): any electric whisks/mixers, air-fryers, microwaves, kettles, blenders and coffee machines. You can improve the energy consumption of these appliances, by unplugging them and/or turning off their plug socket when they're not in use.

21. Review your energy bill

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Another great way to cut back on energy costs, and monitor your overall usage, is by reviewing your energy bills. This may seem like an obvious thing to do, but it can often be overlooked with the busy nature of day-to-day life. It is important to keep all of your energy bills in an organized folder, so you can refer back to them whenever necessary. By keeping them together, it will make it easier for you to compare your consumption, costs; and make any necessary changes to improve these factors.

22. Use less hot water

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Another obvious hack, would be to cut down on your hot water usage. The generation of hot water, often has the highest consumption of energy within a household. This also makes it one of the most wasteful outputs of energy, if the hot water isn't used in an efficient way. For example, if you take multiple baths/long showers, if you don't measure out water for washing-up, if you don't fill up your dishwasher for every use and if you use the less eco-friendly settings for your laundry. The best way to improve your hot water usage, is through changing your energy consumption habits.

23. Service your boiler

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Going back to boilers, another great way to can improve their performance and overall energy consumption, is by getting them serviced when necessary. By getting a professional to service your boiler, they will be able to highlight any changes that need to be done, and any well-functioning aspects of the boiler. In some cases, for example if your boiler is an older, less effective model, they may advise you to have a newer model fitted. Although getting a new boiler fitted can be quite expensive, it will allow you to save more money in the long-term.

24. Make use of heating controls

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This next hack links back to your thermostat and/or boiler. The next hack is making use of any heating controls at your disposal. The majority of heating controls are relatively easy to follow and operate, and many modern households can be controlled remotely (via cellphones and other mobile devices). It is best to get acquainted with any heating controls you have around the home, and research certain settings etc. if you're unsure of their operation. By having good knowledge about your heating controls, you will be able to find the most cost-effective settings to use.

25. Use electric heaters sparingly

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When it comes to the colder, winter months; it can be increasingly difficult to not keep your heating on constantly. You may find yourself becoming more lax with your energy consumption, as you try to heat your home 24 hours a day. One method you might use, is having electric heaters dotted around the home (especially in bedrooms and/or conservatories). These style of heaters are great for portability, and heating a room quickly, but they should be used sparingly as they use up large chunks of energy (in comparison to other heating methods).

26. Install energy-saving apps

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As mentioned previously, having smart-meter/energy-saving apps on your phone are another amazing way to cut back on energy costs and usage. The majority of energy providers, offer services to install a smart-meter within your home, and talk you through the process of operating it, and connecting it up to your phone so you can monitor usage on-the-go. Some of these energy apps provide you with the ability to control your heating etc. from your phone as well, so you're always in control of your costs (no matter where you are).

27. Invest in energy efficient appliances

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It shouldn't come as a surprise, that the next hack involves your appliances (again). This time, we're focusing on their energy-efficiency. Similarly to your boiler, tour appliances, such as: your washing machine, refrigerator and oven, should be serviced and/or replaced when necessary. By switching older appliances for newer, more cost-effective specifications, you will be able to save a considerable amount of money on the running costs. More modern appliances will often have more eco-friendly settings and functions to choose from.

28. Check your eligibility for grants/benefits

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A more obscure/uncommon hack is to check your eligibility to receive government grants and/or benefits. This can be done easily, by checking your government's website, or contacting your local governmental representative. You may find that you're eligible to receive a set amount of income each month, to aid with the cost of necessities (which includes your utility costs). These government grants can be a real life-saver, especially when you're trying to stretch your payslip to last till the end of the month.

29. Switch energy suppliers

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Another hack that may seem obvious, but can often be overlooked and forgotten, is switching your energy provider. If you feel as though you're not being provided adequate pricing for your overall energy consumption, there are a range of ways you can improve your provider. Firstly, you can contact your provider and file complaint. In an attempt to keep you as a customer, they will often offer a reduction to your costs. Another method, is to use a price comparison site and see what deals are on the market, and simply switch to a better provider.

30. Don't heat empty rooms

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Finally, one of the best hacks to lower your energy costs and consumption, is not heating empty rooms. Heating empty rooms is one of the biggest wastes of energy within any home (no matter the size). Not only does it have no personal benefit, it can decrease the overall performance and longevity of your heating appliances. If you want to keep your heating on, but there will be empty rooms in your home, you should isolate those rooms (this can often be done by turning off any heating appliances in those rooms e.g. radiators).