Easy to follow tips to save energy and money

Many individuals and families across the country are struggling to pay their bills and are having to decide between eating or heating. As a follow-up to our recent post about Energy Support, we’ve put together some easy to follow tips to help you save energy and money at no extra cost.

• Switch off any appliances you’re not using – they still use power in standby mode.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room for long periods.
• Close curtains when the sun sets. This will prevent heat from being lost through your windows.
• Make sure your curtains aren’t draped over your radiators as this will direct heat out of your windows.
• Defrost your fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently.
• Don’t put hot or warm food straight into the fridge – let it cool first.
• If possible, move your fridge or freezer away from your cooker or heater.
• Use a low temperature or economy setting on your dishwasher when possible.
• When possible only run your dishwasher with a full load.
• Similarly, make sure you have a full load before you run your washing machine or use a half load setting if you have one.
• If possible, dry clothes on a line or clothes airer rather than using a tumble dryer.
• Plan ironing so that clothes that need lower temperatures are ironed first.

If you are disabled and are struggling to manage your energy cost and usage there is support you can access to help you. Take a look at our information about where to get support with managing your energy bills.