No cost energy saving tips
Decrease your energy use and save on your bills with these habits and tips.
As well as these no-cost behaviour tips, we also have a page with information on DIY energy-saving home improvements that can be used by everyone including renters.
Turn down your thermostat by just 1°C
Turning your thermostat down from 22°C to 21°C can save you £90 a year. If you are or live with elderly, ill or have small children, then it is important that the temperature does not go below 18°C. Maintaining your home's temperature at a constant 18°C is important for preventing damp and mould.
Adjust radiator valves
Only heat rooms that are in use can help to reduce wasted energy in unoccupied spaces. You can pick a warm space where you or your family spend the most amount of time such as the lounge.
Boil only the water you need
Boiling only one cup of water instead of filling the whole kettle can save up to £11 a year. It might seem a small amount, but coupling this with other energy-saving tips can help save energy.
Warm your body, not your home
Focus initially on staying warm by wearing additional layers and using blankets instead of heating the entire home. There are also a number of low-cost solutions such as electric gilets, USB hand warmers and gloves, which all have low running costs.
Turn off standby mode
Appliances on standby still consume energy. Switching off standby can save you £45 a year. Turn off devices at the wall to reduce wasted electricity. If sockets are in challenging-to-reach locations i.e., behind the TV cabinet, you can purchase standby saves which can allow you to switch power at the socket remotely using a small remote.
Set radiators on a timer
Program your heating to come on only when needed, avoiding unnecessary heating. For example, turning it on half an hour before you wake up and half an hour before you come back from work. The Centre for Sustainable Energy has produced some excellent explainer videos on how to program your thermostat.
When turning the heating down or off, it's always important to remember the negative impacts a cold home can have on physical and mental health. Having a home that's poorly heated can also lead to frozen pipes and increase the risk of damp and mould.
Dry clothes in well-ventilated rooms
Instead of using a tumble dryer, which consumes a lot of energy, opt for air drying. This can save you up to £50 a year. A dehumidifier can also help reduce moisture and speed up the drying process. If possible dry your clothes outdoors, or if this isn't possible, try to keep a window open to prevent too much moisture building up.
Wash clothes at 30°C
Washing at a lower temperature saves energy and helps prolong the lifespan of your clothing. Washing at 30°C can prevent clothes shrinkage and preserve colours. Most modern detergents work just as effectively at 30°C.
Fix dripping taps
A dripping tap can waste more than 5,300 liters of water per year. Ensure taps are fully turned off and address any leaks.
Shorten shower times
Keep your showers to four minutes. This can save up to £95 a year on water and energy bills. Purchasing a small shower timer or playing a playlist of your 4 favourite songs can help keep you on time.
Move furniture away from radiator
Furniture next to radiators can prevent the warm air from reaching the room, being absorbed by the furniture instead. Creating a gap between radiators can allow hot air from your radiators to circulate effectively around your room. As well as helping to reduce damp and mould.
Review energy ratings of appliances
When your appliances are at the end of their lives, make sure you check the energy efficiency rating before purchasing a new one. An ‘A’ energy efficiency rating represents the most sustainable option and a ‘G’ the least.
More resources
If you're interested in going further, here are some trusted resources with practical advice and inspiration: