A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: I’m spending a lot of money on energy bills. What can I do to cut down?
A : Let’s take a tour around the typical house:
The bathroom
Reduce the water temperature of your shower and keep your shower time to four minutes
Keep your bathroom ventilated – close the bathroom door and turn on your extractor fan or open a window during a shower to prevent damp and mould
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face
Use cold water if you don’t need hot
The washing
Use your washing machine’s ‘eco’ cycle – this takes longer but uses less energy.
Use a heated clothes airer instead of a tumble dryer – they are cheaper to run, but dry clothes more quickly than a standard clothes airer.
Hanging your washing outside is the cheapest way to dry clothes – cold and overcast days can still be drying days. Look for breezy weather when the ground is dry.
If you are on a smart tariff, schedule appliances to run during lower price times (only run them when you are at home and awake due to potential fire risks)
The kitchen
Use the appliance that fits the meal you’re making. Air fryers, microwaves or slow cookers use less energy than an oven, and can be more economical if cooking a single meal.
Defrost frozen food in the fridge before you cook it
Cook more food at the same time – fridge leftovers to reheat another day
Put lids on pans while you’re cooking, and make sure you’re using the right size pan for the amount of food
Only add the water you need when you boil the kettle
Defrost your fridge/freezer every year and don’t hold the door open for long
The heating
Check the temperature on the thermostat: 18 to 21ºC is fine for most people
Check heating times. If you have a boiler, set the temperature 2º or 3º lower, (or programme it to be off) when you’re out or asleep. If you heat your home with another type of heating, like a heat pump, check with the installer before changing any settings
Check for numbers on thermostatic radiator valves. Set each one to the lowest number that still keeps the room comfortable. Consider installing a radiator reflector if you have radiators on external walls Close your curtains and blinds when it gets dark, as this helps keep the heat in. Keeping your curtains or blinds open when it’s light lets the sun warm the room
Exploring energy efficiency grants
Spend some time checking on help available for paying for energy efficiency home improvements
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