How To Save Money On Energy Bills by Toni Cairns Abstract Distraxtions

By Toni Cairns Abstract Distraxtions

How To Reduce Your Energy Bills

In the United Kingdom the hike in Energy prices is due to increase by 54% in April 2022, and then may increase a further 20% in Oct 2022, it is going to hit every household hard. 

This means if your energy cost is currently for example in Feb 2022 £100 per month, then in April it is set to rise to £154, and then this is likely to rise again in Oct to approx £180! 

"On 3 February, Ofgem announced the Default Tariff Cap will rise by 54% from 1 April 2022." 

www.commonslibrary.parliament.uk  


We have become very accustomed to our luxurious ways of living, so maybe now is the time to become less of a gargantuan consumer. 

Question yourself and your everyday ways of living. 

Here are some ways to reduce the amount of electricity your household uses. 

Ways to a Reduce Electricity Use

  • Switch lights off when not in use, if a room has 2 ceiling lights maybe remove 1 of the bulbs
  • Use LED low watt light bulbs
  • Use more direct ways of lighting areas when required
  • Any appliances not in use switch off at the plug socket 
  • Do not keep things on standby
  • Before turning heating on put a sweater on, maybe wear thermal socks and slippers
  • Put an extra large sized duvet on top of your bed in the winter, a sheet on top and tuck it in
  • When heating is turned on set thermostat to 18-21°C, if you are able to keep this to a recommended safe 18°C you will save more money. Be aware temperatures over 24°C is unsafe especially for people with heart and respiratory conditions 
  • Test each radiator temperature some way require draining or adjusting
  • To keep heating bill down keep external doors and windows closed, exclude drafts and insulate where possible, but be sure to also ventilate your home 
  • When using an immersion heater switch only leave on for long enough to heat a bath full of water when necessary, these use about 3kWh so every hour they are left switched on costs about 90 pence, and leave it switched on for 24 hours continuously it will likely cost you more than £20 
  • Use thick curtains and blinds over external windows and maybe also doors too, if you have a radiator under a window then don't cover it with a hanging curtain. 
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed during daytime in hot summer months this will drastically reduce your use of cooling fans, and in cold winter months will reduce your hearing bill 
  • Set Fridges to 5°C 

  • Set Freezers to -18°C, keep freezers fairly full
  • Keep fridge freezer and oven doors closed when they are in use

  • Defrost items inside the fridge 
  • When cooking meat and fish defrost first if possible, it reduces the overall length of cooking time 
  • Ensure seals on fridge freezer and oven doors are not broken or faulty, reduces unnecessary energy loss

  • Keep backs of fridge freezers free from dirt and dust 

  • Take quick showers not long hot baths

  • Never leave hot taps running
  • Check hot water setting is not too high

  • Wash laundry on lower temp and shorter wash programmes, wear your sweater for another day maybe?

  • Microwave certain foods instead of oven cooking may save you energy

  • Cook efficiently, put lids on pans, reduce temp few minutes before item is cooked, and only use enough water to cover veg

  • Avoid tumble dryers by air drying

  • Avoid dishwashers by hand washing
  • Do not over fill kettles

  • Avoid treadmills by running

  • Never leave battery charges plugged in  

  • Do not over use any high energy consuming electrical tools like Drills, Pressure Washers, Sanders, Strimmers. 

  • Replace broken or faulty appliances with energy efficient ones 

  • Avoid hair dryers and straighteners by air drying hair if possible

  • If not watching TV switch it off, if guests arrive switch it off 
  • Do you need a TV that big or can you reduce its size and your energy consumption
  • Consider if your TV is on do you also need a ceiling light on

  • IF NOT IN USE SWITCH IT OFF AND UNPLUG IT

  • Compare energy suppliers - (now Feb 2022 may not be the best time to change?)

  • Use renewable energy suppliers
  • Consider solar power or other renewable energy sources
  • Keep boilers and heating systems regularly serviced
  • Is your fridge freezer, oven and washing machine the right size for your household, or can you reduce the size of your appliance
  • Consider using a timer or plug in timers on your larger electrical devices to ensure they are not left on when not in use

By Toni Cairns (c)16th Feb 2022.

toni.cairns@hotmail.co.uk 

@abstractdistraxtions


Further more detailed advice to follow. 




Other helpful articles 


'The Best Way to Hand Wash Dishes'

The right technique can use less energy and even get plates cleaner than a dishwasher

By Perry Santanachote

March 18, 2021

 shares of the article 1 shares of the artic

https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/best-way-to-hand-wash-dishes-a1749842004/


Please follow this link to read full article very interesting and insightful.




'How to Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer'

8 easy maintenance tips to keep your dishwasher cleaning well for years to come

By Perry Santanachote

Updated June 20, 2019

https://www.consumerreports.org/dishwasher/how-to-make-your-dishwasher-last-longer-a7937722178/


Please follow link to full article.

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