You’ve felt it, they’ve felt it, we’ve all felt it.
Once we were scared of the dark, and now we’re all scared of the light – well, how much it costs to put on the light.
Following the 54% energy price cap rise in April, fresh off the back of a 12% rise in October 2021 (ouch), energy use is a subject that has all of our attentions.
Even before the events in Ukraine put pressure on gas supplies the world over, the wholesale price of gas had already gone through the roof, jumping by more than 250% in 2021. It meant that suppliers had to pay more for energy than they’d been charging us: many companies collapsed as a result.
The energy cap that came into effect in April 2022 to offset the effects of this, bumped energy bills up for 22 million customers, meaning a hefty average annual increase of £693 for households.
Whilst it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount you’re spending on essentials, rather than meals out with friends – all is not lost and there are some tried and tested ways to reduce your energy use and bill.
Because whilst switching energy suppliers isn’t advised right now, using less energy is.
Here’s 6 hacks to help you use less and save more:
Make your living room a dead one
Sure, switching off the TV and games console at the remote feels easier than walking the ten steps to switch it off at the plug, but according to British Gas there are a legion of ‘vampire appliances’ that drain power even while on standby.
Fancy saving an average of £147 every year? Switch TVs, games consoles and smart speakers off at the wall after each use and unplug phone chargers completely.
Sprinkle, don’t dunk
Hot water accounts for around 10% of energy bills, so it’s no secret that using less water will save you money.
All is not lost if you love an evening soak – taking one less bath a week in favour of a four-minute shower will save you £12 a year, leading to a £70 yearly saving if all showers are kept under five.
Kitchen essentials only
It’s time to fill the kettle with the water that you need, and you know, not as if you’re doing a round of tea for a football team. And if you don’t already have one? Invest in a washing-up bowl instead of using a running tap.
Try reducing your washing machine usage by one cycle a week (hello rest day!) and only ever run a full load at 30 degrees instead of 40.
Remember the vampires in your kitchen and switch off appliances at the plug if you can reach.
Choose your charge wisely
Whilst it’s reassuring to have a never-ending charge supply to our laptops, unplugging it when it’s fully charged could save around £25 a year.
If you’re thinking about investing in more equipment, bear in mind that laptops and tablets use over 65% less energy than home computers.
And if you want to go one step further, don’t forget you can offset some of the costs of working from home by applying for tax relief (worth up to £125 a year).
Change the mood
Hopefully you’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you’re still not convinced, try switching your standard bulbs to LEDs and bag an additional saving of £30 per year.
If you turn your thermostat down by just one degree, you can save £60 annually, add to that a further £20 if you can train your brain to switch off the lights every time you leave the room.
Put it to work
Let’s face it, if you’re going to pay for energy, you need to make good use of it, so check doors, windows and floorboards for any draughts that will lower the temperature and up your central heating.
Whilst insulating your loft could set you back around £500, it could save you a huge £380 each year according to Checkatrade which sounds worth it, right?
