Energy saving ‘house hold hacks’
We've all heard it's possible to save money on our energy bills. But anyone who has looked at their bill will know that it's tricky to figure out where to begin. Our own research recently found that 36% of Brits don't understand their energy bill.
The good news is that by 2020, all of us in Great Britain will be offered a new gas and electricity smart meter. Smart meters allow you to see how much energy you're using and what you've spent, in pounds and pence, in the last day, week, month and year. They'll also help you make sure you're on the right tariff by giving you accurate information about your energy use. Smart meters are on their way but what tips and tricks will help us reduce our bills now? Here are our three key steps to smarter energy use.
1. Switch electronics off at the wall
The average UK household spends between £45-£80 each a year supplying power to devices left in standby mode, such as televisions and microwaves, so switch them off!
2. Swap your halogen bulbs for energy efficient bulbs
Lighting accounts for seven per cent of most household energy bills, amounting to a high spend over a year. There are many energy efficient bulbs now on the market, including Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). By switching over to a more energy efficient bulb variety – you could save around £45 throughout the lifetime of the bulb.
3. Only use your dishwasher when you have a full load
Dishwashers are a modern marvel - however, the average dishwasher costs a UK household around £40 per year to run - a costly convenience! Waiting for the dishwasher to be full and using an eco setting is the most efficient way to wash.
For more information on saving energy go to www.energysavingtrust.org
1. Check your bills regularly, if you don't have a smart meter you may be getting estimated bills. Check your bills are in line with your energy meter reading.
2. Check price comparison sites to see which the best tariffs and providers for your energy use are. By providing accurate use information, smart meters give you the confidence to know you're getting the best deal
The good news is that by 2020, all of us in Great Britain will be offered a new gas and electricity smart meter. Smart meters allow you to see how much energy you're using and what you've spent, in pounds and pence, in the last day, week, month and year. They'll also help you make sure you're on the right tariff by giving you accurate information about your energy use. Smart meters are on their way but what tips and tricks will help us reduce our bills now? Here are our three key steps to smarter energy use.
Step 1 – Reducing your spend on household appliances
Here are some quick and easy tips from the Energy Savings Trust which will help you be more energy efficient and save money on your bills.1. Switch electronics off at the wall
The average UK household spends between £45-£80 each a year supplying power to devices left in standby mode, such as televisions and microwaves, so switch them off!
2. Swap your halogen bulbs for energy efficient bulbs
Lighting accounts for seven per cent of most household energy bills, amounting to a high spend over a year. There are many energy efficient bulbs now on the market, including Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). By switching over to a more energy efficient bulb variety – you could save around £45 throughout the lifetime of the bulb.
3. Only use your dishwasher when you have a full load
Dishwashers are a modern marvel - however, the average dishwasher costs a UK household around £40 per year to run - a costly convenience! Waiting for the dishwasher to be full and using an eco setting is the most efficient way to wash.
For more information on saving energy go to www.energysavingtrust.org
Step 2 – Make sure you're paying the right amount for your energy
Taking control of your energy bills is about more than just switching the lights off. Research from USwitch shows that only 38% of us have ever switched providers, but you could be hundreds of pounds better off if you did.1. Check your bills regularly, if you don't have a smart meter you may be getting estimated bills. Check your bills are in line with your energy meter reading.
2. Check price comparison sites to see which the best tariffs and providers for your energy use are. By providing accurate use information, smart meters give you the confidence to know you're getting the best deal