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How can I use less electricity?

Using less energy is not only good for the environment; it's good for your bank account, too! By making energy-saving changes, you'll find the family budget goes further.

How much energy can I save?

Energy-saving products can really lower your energy bill. But you can still save plenty of money without buying lots of new equipment.

Changing the way you use your current appliances can make a big difference. For example, using your tumble dryer inefficiently can set you back up to £131 per year. Leaving your TV or other appliances on standby can also cost you around £86 every year.

The good news is that it is easy to cut these costs.

How do I make my tumble-dryer more efficient?

Tumble-dryers can be expensive to run. But there are things you can do to make using one more energy efficient:
  • Fit the maximum load in your tumble-dryer each time you use it.
  • Use a high-spin setting on your washing machine to dry your clothes as much as possible beforehand. Spinning your clothes dry uses less energy than heating them.
  • Clean your dryer's lint filter after every use. A clogged filter will stop the hot air circulating and will keep your clothes wetter for longer.
  • Keep your dryer in a well-ventilated room to stop it over-heating. It's also best to keep your dryer in a fairly warm place. A cold utility room means that your dryer will have to use more energy to heat up the air.
  • Shake out your washing before putting it into the dryer. Tangled washing takes longer to dry.
  • Fasten duvet covers so that wet items don't get trapped inside.
  • Dry your clothes outside when the weather is good.

If you are thinking about buying a new tumble-dryer, you can save yourself money by getting one that is made to be energy efficient. Look out for condenser dryers with heat pumps or gas-vented dryers. These are the most efficient and only cost around £45 a year to run.

How can I make my washing machine more efficient?

Most households use their washing machine around five times a week. This means that costs mount up. Here are some tips on how to make doing your laundry less expensive:
  • When possible, wash your clothes at 30 degrees C. This will save you around £10 off your annual bill.
  • Quick programmes are convenient, but try not to rely on them. They won't save you money, as the washing machine will have to heat the water up to a higher temperature in order to clean the clothes in a shorter space of time.
  • Fill your washing machine with the maximum load.

How can I make using my dishwasher cheaper?

Dishwashers can be a life-saver when it comes to clearing your kitchen of dirty dishes. Here are some tips to help you cut the costs of using it:
  • Put your dishwasher on its eco or energy-save programme. These programmes typically use 20 per cent less energy than normal settings.
  • Put on a full load every time you use your dishwasher. But be careful not to overfill it, as this can mean that not all the dishes get washed properly.

Are energy-saving light bulbs a good way to save electricity?

Yes! Energy-saving light bulbs can make a huge difference to your electricity bill. By replacing a traditional 40W bulb with an 8W low-energy version, you can cut your electricity use by 20 per cent while still getting a similar amount of light.

Energy-saving light bulbs also last much longer than traditional ones. Your old light bulbs have a lifespan of around one year, but an energy-saving bulb can last up to 10 years.

Try to change as many light bulbs as you can to an energy-saving variety. You can save £3 a year for each one you switch.

How can I get the best deal for my electricity?

The best way to get a good deal is to compare as many companies as you can. Check their different tariffs and see if you can save money by having an online account or paying by direct debit. Switching energy suppliers may save you around £217 on your bills.

You can compare different energy suppliers here.

Will an energy monitor help me to save?

An energy monitor won't, by itself, save you money. It is a small device that estimates how much energy you are using. It can also show you how different appliances affect your energy use. So using a monitor can help you to decide where to make savings. You will also be able to see what impact your changed habits have on your electricity use.

Check out these energy monitor reviews to find the best model.

What else can I do to save money on my electricity bill?

You can also cut down your energy bill by:
  • Turning off and unplugging appliances when they are not in use. Leaving things on standby can cost around £86 a year in wasted energy.
  • Buy energy-efficient appliances when you need to replace old ones.
  • Opt for televisions and computers with smaller screens. Using a laptop with a smaller screen and components can save you around £30 a year.

This article was written using information provided by Which? To learn more ways you can save money on your energy bills, visit the Which? website.

Last reviewed: August 2013

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