Energy costs are spiraling, and the price of fuel keeps going up and up – it’s a stressful time for everyone. That’s why this article will explore ways you can save money on energy bills alongside some tips & tricks for saving cash around the home.
There’s never been a better time to tackle the rising cost of living head-on, so keep reading as we discuss how…
Reducing energy bills
The best way to tackle rising energy costs is by making multiple, small changes that can add up to significant yearly savings. If you’re worried about energy costs, it might be a good idea to install a smart meter to ensure you only pay for what you use. Or give your supplier regular meter readings, so they aren’t estimating your use.
Smart meters can also help you detect which times of day you’re using the most energy, enabling you to make money-saving decisions whilst staying on top of your usage.
1. Turn off standby
Did you know that turning your electrical appliances off at the plug or unplugging them completely, can save you money? Get your family into the habit of turning technology off at the wall or consider buying smart plugs or extension leads with a timer.
Before switching off tech at the power source, such as computers or games consoles, ensure they are shut down first to avoid data loss.
2. Skip the tumble dryer
Tumble dryers are energy suckers. Instead, make the most of the weather and dry clothes indoors on clothes horses and racks, or outside on the washing line. If you’re stuck for space, there are plenty of inventive space-saving solutions that can be wall-mounted or go over the door.
3. Turn off the lights
Turning off lights when not in use is an excellent money saver. So, get in the habit of turning off lights when you’re not in the room, or go for smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely.
If your family likes to keep a hall light on during the night, or you have lots of lamps in your home, consider replacing the bulbs with money and energy-saving LED ones.
4. Draught-proof your home
Many homes lose heat through cracks in the floorboard, around windows, doors, and through fireplaces. You can either hire a professional to draught-proof your home or investigate DIY solutions.
Check out your local hardware or discount store to look for strip brushes that go underneath doors, strips for smaller gaps and keyhole covers for door locks. And invest in large area rugs if you have wood floors.
5. Wash at a lower temp
Most modern washing machines can operate perfectly well at low temperatures when using good clothes cleaning products, so there’s no need for higher temperature loads which require heated-up water. Not only will this help reduce your energy bills, but it can minimize the risk of fading clothes or fabric dye transfer.
You can also reduce the number of times you use the washing machine or wait until you have a full load before starting the wash.
6. Install a smart thermostat
If you’re willing to invest in making longer-term energy savings, consider purchasing a smart thermostat. Whether it’s reminding you to turn the heating off, calculating automatic savings or using geolocation technology to turn off the heating automatically, smart meters can give you control and peace of mind that you aren’t wasting money.
Have a shop around and contact your current energy provider to see if they offer any discounts on their smart meters for existing customers.
Saving cash around the home
Money-saving doesn’t end at cutting the cost of your household bills. Here are a few ways you can save cash around the home…
1. Keep a change jar
Loose change lost behind the sofa or fallen out of pockets can add up over the year. Why not keep a change jar, and empty your pockets or wallet at the end of the day to watch those coins stack up. When the jar is full, either count it and take it to the bank or use a coin-counting machine at the supermarket.
2. Skip the takeaways
Regular takeaways can add up to over a thousand pounds a year for a small family – or even for a couple if you order out regularly. Either skip the takeaways altogether or reduce them by half and instead put that money into a savings account. Why not have a go at creating your own fakeaway and set a budget for food supplies instead?
3. Look at your phone plan
If your phone plan is past the contract length and your phone still works great, then you might be paying more than you need. Explore similar sim-only plans with different vendors, or skip the contract altogether and see how much you can get if you opt to top up each month instead.
4. Check out the charity shop
Purchasing your clothes in a charity or thrift shop instead of brand new can result in serious cash savings over the year. Many people forget to return new clothes and donate them instead, and you might even find your favorite brands for a fraction of the price. Plus, you’re helping a local charity in the process – now that’s a win.
As well as all this, keeping your appliances in tip-top condition can prolong their life span and prevent large and costly repair bills. There are loads of DIY cleaning options you can do – a lot of them involve baking soda and white vinegar, but there are specialty descaling, degreasing and cleaning products too.
Now you know how to reduce your bills whilst saving cash, which method will you try first?
