Energy Saving Tips: Easy Ways to Save Money at Home

Looking to cut your energy bills without spending a penny? The good news is that some of the best energy-saving tips are completely free to put into practice.

Small changes really can make a big difference over time. Whether it’s changing the way you cook, making the most of your heating, or simply switching things off when you’re not using them, these simple tips can help lower your energy bills while making your home a little greener too.

Our Top Energy Saving Tips in Under 2 Minutes

Top Tips to Save Energy Around the House

In the Kitchen

Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly – The more ice that builds up, the harder they have to work, using more energy and increasing your bills.

Air dry your clothes – Whenever possible, use an outdoor washing line or indoor airer instead of the tumble dryer.

Switch appliances off – Don’t leave appliances on standby. Turning them off at the plug helps prevent unnecessary energy use.

Make use of your oven’s heat – Finished cooking? Leave the oven door open (once it’s switched off) to let the leftover heat warm your kitchen.

Cook with pan lids on – Keeping lids on your pots traps heat and helps food cook more efficiently.

Choose energy-efficient appliances – LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances use less electricity and can save money over time.

Only boil what you need – Filling the kettle with just enough water for your drinks uses less electricity than boiling a full kettle every time.

Wash at 30°C – Most everyday washing comes out just as clean at 30°C. Lower temperatures use much less energy and cost less to run.

Use an air fryer or slow cooker – Air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers generally use much less energy than a conventional oven.

Only run full loads – Whether it’s your dishwasher or washing machine, wait until it’s full before switching it on.

In the Bathroom

Choose showers over baths – Heating water uses a lot of energy. Swapping just one bath a week for a five-minute shower could save a family of four around £20 a year.

Turn the tap off – Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or shaving. A running tap can waste around six litres of water every minute.

Around the Rest of the House

Don’t heat the outside – Avoid leaving windows open while the heating is on. Instead, open them for five minutes to let fresh air in before closing them again.

Turn your thermostat down – Lowering your thermostat by just one degree could save around £80 a year. If you have thermostatic radiator valves, turn down the radiators in rooms you aren’t using.

Switch appliances off properly – TVs, games consoles, laptops and chargers all use electricity on standby. Switching them off completely could save up to £80 a year.

Make the most of daylight – Open your curtains during the day instead of turning lights on.

Switch to LED bulbs – LED bulbs last much longer and use a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs.

Unplug chargers – Chargers still use electricity when they’re plugged in, even if nothing is charging.

Keep an Eye on Your Energy Use

Get a smart meter

A smart meter won’t reduce your energy use on its own, but it can help you understand where your energy is going. Seeing your usage in real time often encourages small changes that add up over the year.

Switch to a Green Energy Tariff

Switching to a green energy tariff is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact, and it doesn’t require any work in your home.

Green electricity is supplied through the National Grid just like any other tariff. All you need to do is compare available deals and choose one that suits your needs. Comparison websites such as Uswitch can help you find competitive tariffs while supporting a cleaner, greener future.

Thinking About Bigger Home Improvements?

Improve Your Insulation

Good insulation helps keep the heat in during winter and reduces the amount of energy your home needs. Consider improving your loft, wall, floor or pipe insulation. If you’re replacing windows, double glazing can also make a big difference by reducing heat loss.

Install Solar Panels

If you’re planning a bigger investment, solar panels could help reduce your bills while generating clean energy for your home. Money Saving Expert noted that solar panels could save £100s a year on your electricity bills.

Heat Pumps and More

You could also explore other renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps or solar water heating, depending on your property. Renewable energy holds endless benefits for both you and the planet.

Working From Home?

Spending more time at home usually means using more energy. We’ve put together a handy guide full of simple tips to help you keep your bills down while working remotely.

See Our Working From Home Tips

Buying a New Home?

Don’t forget to check the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you buy. An EPC gives you a good idea of how energy efficient the home is and highlights improvements that could help reduce future bills.

Ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Ideally, look for a property rated C or above. Understand more about EPCs here.

If you need an EPC, Green Energy Switch offers a fully managed EPC service to help you understand your property’s energy performance.

Energy Saving Tips for Summer

Think energy saving is just for winter? Think again! Discover simple ways to reduce your energy use and keep your home comfortable throughout the summer.

See Our Summer Energy Saving Tips

Need a Helping Hand?

If you’re struggling with your energy bills or would like some personalised advice, we may be able to help through LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership). We deliver this free service in partnership with Peterborough City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Rutland County Council to help households reduce their energy bills and keep their homes warm.

LEAP is available to homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants who meet the eligibility criteria. Through the scheme, you could benefit from:

• A FREE Home Energy Visit from one of our friendly Home Energy Advisors.
• Personalised energy-saving advice tailored to your home.
• Help finding the best energy tariff for your needs.
• Free energy-saving measures such as LED light bulbs, draught excluders and more.
• Access the free Appliance Scheme and Replacement Boiler Scheme where eligible.
• Access to additional support, grants and schemes if you’re eligible.

Peterborough, South Cambridgeshire or Rutland

If you live in Peterborough, South Cambridgeshire or Rutland, why not check if you’re eligible and book your FREE Home Energy Visit today.

Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge City and East Cambridgeshire

If you’re looking for even more support, don’t forget to check out our Guide to Free Energy Support and Advice. We’ve pulled together the latest grants, schemes and local support available across Peterborough, South Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge City and East Cambridgeshire, helping you find the support that’s right for you.

Nationwide Support

If you live elsewhere, you can still apply through the national LEAP website to see what support is available in your area.