How to Save Energy in Your Home

Whether you’re looking to save energy in your home in order to help the planet or to save on your bills, there are lots of things that you can do – and many of them are easier than you think!

How can you save energy at home?

1. Turn the lights off when you leave the room

“Remember to turn the lights off when you leave the room!”

A phrase I’m sure you’ve heard from parents and grandparents multiple times when growing up, and there’s a reason. Turning off the lights is one of the easiest ways to save on your electricity bills. This simple habit can also extend the life of your light bulbs.

2. Switch to more efficient devices

Moving to energy-efficient appliances can be an excellent way to save money on your bills, as well as reducing your carbon footprint. Whilst some of the most efficient appliances may be more expensive upfront, research has shown that they will be cheaper to run in the long term.

3. Unplug devices

Unplugging devices or simply switching them off when not in use can help you save up to 10% of energy every month. Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver or smart plug that allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go.

Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug, without it causing too much trouble when turning them back on again. If you’re unsure about this, check the appliance’s instructions, for example, some TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so that they can keep track of any programmes that you want to record.

4. Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature


In the winter, it’s tempting to turn the heat up to high all day to stave out the cold, but studies show that you could save money simply by turning the thermostat down by 1 degree!

Offering an alternative to keeping the heating on high all the time, programmable thermostats can be used to program when you would like your heat to be on and off, helping to keep your house warm when you want it and saving on your energy bills.

5. Wash clothes at a lower temperature

According to theenergysavingtrust.co.uk, ‘Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than higher temperatures will save around 40% of the energy used each year.’ Washing your clothes at a lower temperature also helps you to take better care of your clothes, as the delicate cycle helps them to look better for longer.

6. Control your water usage

If you’re using a dishwasher, make sure to fill it up as much as you can as this helps to save water by containing it all in one wash. Swapping from a bath to a shower can also help to save water, especially if you shorten the length of time you spend within the spray!

7. Invest in double glazing

Double glazed windows help to keep all of the heat within your home, helping to reduce the amount of heat that escapes throughout the window. You won’t need to keep your heating so high as it will be better contained within the room.