We all (hopefully) know by now, the importance of being energy conscious. But with rising energy costs and an ever increasing need to do more for our environment, understanding and managing our day-to-day energy use is vital. Thankfully, there’s lots of steps we can take that go towards making a difference.
Here’s why it matters:
Financial savings: Lowering your energy consumption can reduce your energy bills.
Environmental impact: Reducing your energy use means less greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
Energy security: A better understanding of your energy consumption helps you prepare for any energy price fluctuations or energy shortages.
Understanding your energy consumption.
So, how much energy are we using exactly? Here are three ways you can get a better handle on what you’re using on a day-to-day basis.
1. Read your bills:
Reading your energy bills is essential for understanding your energy consumption. You’ll get a monthly overview of how much energy you’re using, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or therms, allowing you to track your usage patterns over time. By examining the cost breakdown, you can gain insights into where your money is being spent and identify any unusual spikes in consumption that may indicate issues with appliances or systems in your home.
2. Get a smart meter:
Smart meters show your energy usage in real-time, helping you understand your habits so you can make informed decisions to reduce your energy use. They also send meter readings to your energy supplier automatically, so you’ll get accurate billing with no ‘estimated’ charges. Find out more about how a smart meter can help you cut costs.
3. Get an energy audit:
You can carry out a basic energy audit online, find a local expert, or ask your energy provider if they can provide you with one. Energy audits involve surveying your home to pinpoint areas of high energy consumption and identify any potential inefficiencies. The assessment can also provide recommendations for improvements that can lead to cost savings and better energy efficiency.
Be energy savvy.
At E.ON Next, we recently commissioned a study that revealed two-thirds (66%) of Brits now consider themselves financially savvy, especially when it comes to saving money on our household bills and expenditure.1
Tips for reducing energy consumption.
By understanding your energy consumption patterns, you can take more control of your usage, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Regular monitoring and small changes in your daily habits can lead to big improvements over time. Here are a few ideas of just some of the things you could do to see a difference.
Smart use of appliances.
By learning how to use our appliances more efficiently, we can ensure they run only when necessary and at optimal times. For example, using washing machines during off-peak hours and setting refrigerators to the ideal temperature can reduce your energy consumption. Also, identifying which appliances consume the most energy can help you make informed choices about usage patterns and plan any upgrades. Find out which appliances use the most energy in your home.
Upgrade your appliances.
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills. When replacing your old devices, look for the energy efficiency rating, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), these are typically found on stickers or packaging.
Invest in some smart plugs.
Many homes have plug sockets that are difficult to reach, often hidden behind furniture or large appliances, making it inconvenient to switch off devices manually. This is where smart plugs come in handy. They connect to your internet, allowing you to control them via a smartphone app, so you can easily turn off appliances remotely or schedule them to switch off automatically at specific times, such as overnight or while you're at work.
Use your smart meter to help you save.
Remember, if you get a smart meter, you can also track your energy use and build up your energy-saving habits to keep your bills lower and reduce your CO2 emissions. Knowledge is power when it comes to energy in your home, so take control of your usage and make budgeting easy. Get a smart meter for your home.
Unplug appliances when not in use.
Beware of vampire devices, these are appliances that consume energy even when you’re not using them, contributing to higher energy bills. Simply by turning appliances off at the socket when not in use, you could save up to £40 a year.2
Watch your TV energy use.
According to a 2022 Ofcom report, the average person spends over five hours a day watching TV and online videos.3 The running cost of a TV largely depends on its size and type, with a typical 40-43 inch TV costing around £19.88 per year, while a 65 inch model can cost approximately £31.23 annually.4 Reducing screen time can thus be beneficial for your mental well-being, your energy consumption and your wallet. It’s worth considering switching off your devices for a while to give your brain a break and engage in alternative activities like taking a walk or playing a game of cards.
Optimise your heating and cooling systems.
Your home’s heating and cooling systems are great places to make energy and cost savings. Here’s some cool tips you could try out in your home.
Get hot on heat savings.
Try using your central heating more efficiently where possible. By taking full advantage of your heating controls, like thermostats, timers, and radiator controls, you could reduce your energy bill. Ideally, you could aim to maintain a comfortable temperature between 18°C and 21°C.
Adjust your thermostat settings.
Did you know that lowering your thermostat by just one degree can lead to significant savings on your heating bills? This could potentially reduce your costs by up to £80 a year. Typically, heating and hot water account for nearly half of household energy expenses.5
Install a smart thermostat.
You can boost your home's heating efficiency by getting a smart thermostat. These learn your habits and adjust your home’s temperature accordingly, ensuring you're only using your electricity or gas when and where you need it. This could save you around £75 a year, whilst at the same time, reducing your carbon footprint.6
Lower the flow.
If you have a conventional gas boiler with a hot water cylinder, you could try lowering your boiler’s flow temperature to around 50-60 degrees Celsius. This little adjustment can be a really good way to make your home more energy efficient and lower your gas bills.
Invest in a new boiler.
Upgrading your boiler can lead to big energy and cost savings. The latest condensing boiler models operate at higher efficiency levels, often exceeding 90%, compared to older non-condensing models that may only achieve 60-70% efficiency.7
Look after your radiators
Bleeding your radiators can really help improve your heating efficiency, especially if some rooms are not warming up properly. You should always try to make sure there’s plenty of space around your radiators to allow for proper heat circulation.
Make cool savings.
Use a fan.
Getting a fan is a good way to circulate cool air through your home, and they consume very little energy and produce minimal carbon emissions. Your average 45W desk fan will cost as little as 1p to run an hour. But, a more powerful (and arguably more effective) 220kW, could cost around 66p per hour to run.8
Use air conditioning efficiently.
Getting a portable air conditioning unit can be a good option for some. These are more popular than fixed systems in the UK due to their convenience for on-demand cooling in any room. If you do have and use air con, you can always try to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness by keeping your doors and windows closed.
Insulate and draught-proof your home.
Insulate your home.
Home insulation is a great way to make energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint. There’s a wide range of steps you can take, from simple DIY fixes like draught-proofing and putting a jacket on your hot water tank, to more professional jobs like loft, floor, and wall insulations.
Block draughts.
Getting rid of draughts is a great way to retain heat and lower your energy bills. You can do this by sealing any gaps around windows, doors, loft hatches, and letterboxes using draught excluders or letterbox brushes.
Check out the government grants and schemes.
It’s always worth exploring the various government grants and schemes that are available, like ECO4 (an Energy Company Obligation) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). These can offer funding for various home insulation improvements and help you create a more energy-efficient home at a reduced cost.
Energy efficient lighting.
Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs can save you money and energy. Although they’re slightly more expensive upfront, LEDs will last longer and use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. This can mean long-term savings on your energy bills.
Remember to turn off lights.
It might not sound like a big deal, but simply switching off lights when not in use or when leaving a room can actually save you money. And just by being more mindful of this behaviour, you could save approximately £7 a year in Great Britain.9
Utilise natural light during the day.
When it comes to lighting, it’s always good to take advantage of natural light whenever possible. During the day, you can cut costs by opening your curtains and blinds to let the sunlight light up your home.
Get window wise.
When it comes to your windows, there’s lots of things you can do to help save energy and money. Here’s just a few window wise tips you could try.
Open windows.
You can regulate the temperature at home by simply opening a window or two. When it's cooler outside, opening windows on opposite sides of your home can create a refreshing cross-breeze. When it’s hotter, try keeping your windows closed to prevent the warmer air from coming in.
Get smart blinds.
These wonderful bits of kit automatically optimise natural light to regulate your home's temperature. They open to let in warming sunlight during winter and close to block out heat in summer, reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Get curtain clever.
During winter, open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to let in warmth. Close them at night to retain heat and block draughts. In summer, you can close your curtains and blinds when the sun shines directly on windows to prevent overheating.
Invest in double glazing.
Double glazing is a more expensive option but offers dual benefits: it reduces your heating costs and minimises outside noise. Installing A-rated double glazing in a semi-detached house can save up to £110 per year.10
Adopt energy-saving habits in the kitchen.
The kitchen is another great place to save a little energy and money. Here, we’ve cooked up a menu of 10 quick tips for you to try out.
Choose the right appliance: When cooking, always try to use a toaster or microwave instead of the oven whenever possible - they’re more efficient.
Slow cook: Using a slow cooker is very energy-efficient and delicious too.
Keep the oven door closed: Avoid losing heat and ensure consistent cooking temperatures.
Use lids: Covering your pots and pans will help retain heat and cook your food faster.
Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers: Preparing lots of meals at once is a great way to save yourself time and energy.
Plan ahead: Defrost food in the fridge to avoid using any more energy-intensive methods – like the oven or a microwave.
Avoid the oven: Try out some no-cook meals like sandwiches and salads, or light up the BBQ in the summer.
Only heat what you need: Avoid overfilling the kettle or using too much water when you’re washing dishes.
Turn off early: Try turning off the heat a couple of minutes before your food is fully cooked, particularly if you've got an electric hob, this is a great way to get the most from your energy.
Maintain your fridge and freezer: To help maximise efficiency, clean the fridge’s coils regularly to prevent it overworking, and defrost your freezer to avoid ice buildup. It’s best to keep both appliances full (but not overcrowded) for optimal performance.
Lower your laundry costs.
Staying in the kitchen, why not try out these wonderful washing and laundry tips.
Reduce your wash temperature.
Lowering your hot water temperature to 60 degrees and washing clothes at 30 degrees (or even 20) can really reduce your energy consumption and save you money. Water heating accounts for a big portion of the average household energy use, so this simple adjustment can really make a difference.
Washing up.
You can maximise your washing machine and dishwasher efficiency by making sure they’re both fully loaded when you use them. You’re wasting energy if you power these appliances on half loads and overfilling can hinder performance and cleaning results. Washing dishes in a bowl or basin instead of using running water can also help you cut costs too.
Hang out your washing.
It’s tempting, but try not to use your tumble dryer for your clothes. Drying clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather could save you a whopping £45 annually in Great Britain. This simple switch not only helps the environment but can also extend the lifespan of your clothes.10
Be more energy efficient in the bathroom.
Try making these simple adjustments in your bathroom to clean up on energy and money savings.
Swap your bath for a shower.
Indulging in a relaxing bath is lovely but swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you around £8 a year on your energy bills – and an extra £13 on your water bills too.11
Get a smart shower head.
Smart shower heads are a game-changer for water and energy conservation. They monitor your usage, pause water flow while you’re soaping, and can even limit shower duration, curbing those pesky bathroom hoggers. With water heating consuming a large part of household energy, these devices are worth considering.
Get sustainable savings with renewable energy tech.
You can unlock even more energy savings and embrace a greener lifestyle with renewable energy technology. Why not explore some options like solar panels or air source heat pumps to increase your home's energy efficiency.
Go solar.
Solar panels are a great way to boost your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. With a solar battery you can store excess energy for later use. You can even get paid for any excess energy you export back to the grid with one of our exclusive solar Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs. Our solar panel systems are installed by MCS certified professionals and we offer SEG tariffs and interest-free finance options.12
Upgrade to an air source heat pump.
Air source heat pumps offer a cleaner, more efficient alternative to gas boilers, by using the warmth from the outside air to heat your home and water. These systems are 3 to 4 times more efficient than older heating systems.13 While the initial installation cost might be higher, the long-term savings on energy bills and potential government grants, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, can make them a financially sound and environmentally friendly option.
Our survey says!
In our recent survey, commissioned by E.ON Next, we uncovered some interesting results. We surveyed just over 2,000 adults across the UK and found:
The oldest generations were more energy savvy than the youngest generation. We found people aged 55+ were more than double as likely to turn the heating down when it’s not needed than the 18–24 year-olds.
Women are more likely than men to turn the light off in an empty room. An impressive 52% of the women we surveyed said they turn off lights that aren’t being used compared to just 41% of men.
Despite these small differences, behaviours and attitudes to saving energy were largely consistent across the whole of the United Kingdom. Whether it’s turning devices off at the socket, using fully loaded dishwashers, or drying clothes outside – we found people in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland were all making a similar effort to do their bit.
Overall, our research has highlighted a real positive shift in people’s attitudes towards managing their personal finances. Nearly half (45%) of Brits reported that they feel more optimistic about their ability to handle their finances compared to last year, with 72% saying they already know how to save energy to reduce their energy bills.1 You can find out more about the findings of our survey here.
Switch off to switch onto savings.
While being energy-conscious is more important than ever, the good news is that taking control of your energy usage, and switching off more, doesn't have to be that daunting. By making small changes and exploring the many home energy techs now available, you have the power to reduce your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint, and help contribute to a more sustainable future.