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Top 11 ways to save energy at home
With a big chunk of family budgets being spent on energy bills, it makes sense to look for ways to reduce the amount of gas and electricity you use.
The average home, containing four occupants, now uses 13 electronic appliances (including TVs and laptops). That’s a huge leap compared with 1990, when just four appliances were typically used, according to the Energy Consumption in the UK (ECUK) 2017 report.
But despite owning more appliances, we still use roughly the same amount of energy as we did two decades ago, meaning our gadgets have become more energy efficient over time. But, there’s still a lot you can do to reduce energy consumption – and save money.
There are a few changes you can make around the home that could help cut down your average electricity usage. This can include using more efficient gadgets and appliances, from energy-saver lightbulbs to A+++ rated dishwashers, as well as replacing old appliances, and avoiding wasted power by switching unused devices off at the plug.
Data collected by MoneySuperMarket, accurate as of March 2019
There are also things you can do to save on gas bills, such as upgrading your gas appliances to more efficient models or installing a smart thermostat to help you track usage and have more control over your gas-powered central heating.
Data collected by MoneySuperMarket, accurate as of March 2019
The energy saving tips below give you some tools and tactics that will help you save gas and electricity at home. We have included estimated figures from the Energy Saving Trust to illustrate the potential energy savings that you could make.
1. Turn off standby appliances
2. Install a smart thermostat
3. Turn down your thermostat
4. Buy efficient appliances
5. Install a new boiler
6. Wash clothes at a lower temperature
7. Be smarter about water
8. Invest in double glazing
9. Draught-proof your property
10. Insulate the roof
11. Monitor your usage
Conditions in the energy market right now mean that we are current unable to switch your energy to save you money.
However, in normal circumstances comparing energy can be the best way to save on electricity and gas. The process is simple – you just need to tell us a few details, such as your postcode, current supplier, and payment and contact details.
By using MoneySuperMarket, you can compare estimated yearly and monthly costs as well as your annual savings if you were to switch, and if there’s a fee for leaving early. All of which makes it easy to find the deal that’s best for you. You’ll be given the option to pick from a big-name supplier, or you can browse the full range to see all the options available.
You can also check whether you’ll be paying at a fixed or variable rate. A fixed rate means your payments will stay the same throughout, while a variable rate means they’ll change depending on the rate set by the supplier. While a fixed rate can give you stability and protection against sudden price hikes, it also means you’ll miss out on savings if your supplier decides to lower its prices.
If you do decide to switch supplier, the move will be handled by the supplier you’re moving to.. There won’t be any loss of supply or any new installations or work at your property, and the process could be done within three weeks.
If you’ve tried to save energy by limiting your usage but you are struggling to pay your bill, you should contact your supplier and see if they can help. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan if your energy bills are becoming too much for your budget.
One option is to have a prepayment meter installed. This way you can pay off your debt gradually, while paying for your current usage and avoiding sliding into further debt. You should keep in mind that prepayment meters are often on a more expensive tariff, but it’s still possible to switch energy providers when you’re using one.
Give us your postcode and tell us
about your energy usage – your most
recent bill will give you the best results
We’ll browse the market for the best deals
and show you how much you can save if
you switch suppliers with us.
Once you’ve started your switch you
won’t need to do a thing – your new
provider will take care of everything
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