With the cost of living on the rise, reducing energy bills has never felt more urgent. But knowing where to start can be overwhelming. From quick habit changes to smart home upgrades, these practical tips will help you create a more energy-efficient home, without compromising on comfort. With the cost of living still rising, most of us have had to reconsider some of our spending habits – and in no area does this feel more urgent than our energy bills. However, knowing just how to cut down your energy use effectively and save money can feel overwhelming. After all, it is an essential cost of daily life rather than a luxury.
If you’re not sure where to start, these 12 ideas – from changes in daily habits to home updates that could work for you in the long term – can set you on your way to a more energy-efficient home. Many boilers are set to a default flow temperature that can be comfortably lowered while keeping your home warm enough. If you use a combi boiler in your home, testing how a flow temperature of 55°C or 60°C feels can help you save on energy over time.
Similarly, turning your thermostat down by just one degree Celcius could save 10 per cent on your energy bill, according to research by the Energy Savings Trust. For all the appeal of a long and hot shower in winter, cutting down the length of time you spend in there will not only mean you use less energy heating up the water, but you’ll also reduce your water usage. For the occasions when you’re not using the whole oven, it can be much more energy efficient to use an air fryer: they’re small and heat up quickly, so they are great for when you’re just cooking for one or two people, as it can use up to 50 per cent less energy to cook the same thing.
Also, when you’re using your oven, make sure to remove any excess baking trays as this makes it harder for air to flow and takes the oven longer to heat up. Nowadays, household appliances have a range of specially developed features to make them more energy efficient, so anyone investing in a new one should weigh up their options. It’s always good to check an appliance’s energy rating – newer models tend to have better ratings than older ones.
When it comes to washing machines, modern appliances are able to effectively clean at 30°C, and some have auto-dosing features that optimise the amount of detergent used. Timer delay options mean you can run cycles when energy is cheaper, while some brands boast tech to help make loads more efficient. For example, Samsung’s ecobubble technology mixes air, water and detergent to create bubbles that can wash clothes at cooler temperatures.
For tumble dryers, look for heat pump models: by recycling the hot air that normally gets lost during the drying process, they can use up to 50 per cent less energy than traditional or condenser dryers. *Credit is subject to status. 18+. Your Personalised APR is determined by the lender, subject to individual circumstances. Minimum spend & exclusions apply. Late fees/charges may apply to missed payments and impact your credit file. Currys Group Limited is a credit broker under exclusive arrangements with the lender Creation Consumer Finance Ltd. Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
**GB only. Minimum £25 spend to redeem voucher. T&Cs apply. ***UK 18+ only. Buy selected energy-efficient appliances from 29 January to 11 March 2025. Claim 32-42 calendar days post-purchase. One entry per itemised receipt. T&Cs apply. To avoid wasting heat and letting cold air in, consider what draught-proofing options you have, as they are often quick and affordable ways to make your home more energy-efficient. Options include draught-proofing strips for windows that open, letterbox flaps or brushes, draught excluders for open chimneys, and plenty more.
Having a smart meter with an in-home display will allow you to see in near real-time just how much you’re spending on energy. This makes it much easier to understand and control how much you’re using, and notice where you might be able to make savings. The SelfDry feature automatically opens the door once the cycle is finished to let cool air in and speed up drying, while the CornerIntense™ spray arm delivers effective and intensive cleaning ensuring water and detergent reaches every corner of the machine. Shop now.
Bleeding your radiators means you can release any trapped air that may be making them heat up less efficiently. It is recommended to do this every few months. Done correctly, using the dishwasher is more cost-effective than hand-washing. While loading it to full capacity seems obvious, it is an important habit – as is putting the items in correctly, ensuring they aren’t touching each other and that the spray arm can rotate fully. Opt for the eco cycle to save energy and water.
Defrosting food in the fridge may take longer, but it can reduce your appliance’s energy usage as the compressor will have less work to do. Heating your home in the colder months is important for a variety of reasons, but on the occasions when you need a short burst of heat, look first to the ways you can warm yourself rather than the air. This could be with a hot water bottle, an additional layer, foot warmers, or an electric blanket.
