Energy Saving Tips
According to the Final UK greenhouse gas emissions national statistics: 1990 to 2021, approximately 16% of the UK's Greenhouse Gas or GHG emissions come from households, as depicted in the pie chart.
Making small changes to our daily habits can have a profound impact not just on the environment but also on reducing our bills.
Change Your Energy Provider
Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, offers links to accredited price comparison websites:
| Energylinx | The Energy Shop |
| Money Supermarket | My Utility Genius |
| Simply Switch | Switch Gas and Electric |
| Quotezone | Unravel It |
| Uswitch | |
The Big Standby Switch Off
Uncovering hidden costs in our energy bills, various studies highlight that about 23% of our electricity usage is unnecessary. This amounts to approximately £145 per household annually.
Hover over the images to see potential savings achievable by switching off appliances instead of leaving them on standby.
Save up to £6
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Save up to £27
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Buying a standby saver lets you turn all your appliances off standby in one go. There are a variety of different standby savers depending on your budget. Choices available are many:
- Timer plug socket
- Digital timer plug socket
- Remote controlled socket
- Extension lead with individual switches
- Remote controlled extension leads
Lighting
According to studies by the Energy Saving Trust, approximately 11% of a typical household's electricity bill is attributed to lighting.
Reducing bills can be as simple as changing the type of light bulbs used. In the UK, the most energy-efficient options are Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED). LEDs, particularly useful for spotlights and dimmable lights, outperform CFLs in efficiency and long-term savings.
Hover over the images to estimate potential savings by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Save up to £15
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Save up to £7
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Remember, turning off your lights when you leave a room could save you £25 a year.
Efficient Appliance Use
Smart usage of household appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Wet Appliances: Washing Machines, Washer-Dryers, and Dishwashers
To cut down on energy use, follow these tips when using wet appliances:
- Operate only with a full load.
- Ensure clothes are well-spun before tumble drying; air-drying outdoors is even better if possible.
- Utilize economy and low-temperature settings.
For further insights, explore our Water Saving Tips page.
Fridges and Freezers
Given that these appliances run continuously, opt for energy-efficient models. Choosing an 'A' rated fridge freezer could save you £255 over its lifetime. Also, smaller fridges consume less energy than larger ones.
- Install them away from heat sources like cookers.
- Avoid placing hot food directly into the fridge or freezer; allow it to cool first.
- Regularly defrost your fridge or freezer.
- Maintain the fridge temperature at or below 5 degrees Celsius.
Save up to £30
Save up to £60
Save up to £15
Understanding Energy Labels
Energy efficiency labels have been a vital consumer indicator in the UK and Europe since 1994, aiding in the selection of energy-efficient and cost-saving products.
As of March 2021, new energy efficiency labels are available for various appliances, including:
- Washing machines
- Washer dryers
- Dishwashers
- Fridge freezers
- Wine coolers
- Televisions and electronic displays
Notable Changes
The revised labels now feature a simplified rating system, where the highest achievable rating is ‘A’ without any ‘+’ suffixes.
They also include a QR code for consumers to access detailed information from the manufacturer and contain more specific details pertinent to the product type. For instance, washing machine labels will detail the most economical load weights and noise levels.
If you're having trouble viewing the PDF, you can access the Energy Label Graphic here.
Did You Know?
Washing clothes at 30 degrees helps conserve energy and is gentle on fabrics.
Using a C-rated dryer reduces energy consumption compared to less efficient models.
An energy-efficient fridge minimizes power usage while keeping food fresh.
Energy-efficient TVs consume less electricity without compromising on quality.
Every small step toward energy efficiency not only brightens our future but also illuminates our present with savings and sustainability."