Big Energy Saving Week: Smart Ways to Cut Energy Use and Lower Bills at Home

BIG ENERGY SAVING WEEK: SMART WAYS TO CUT ENERGY USE AND LOWER BILLS AT HOME

Big Energy Saving Week begins on 17th January, making it the ideal time to look at how we can reduce our energy use, cut household bills, and make our homes more efficient. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, tenant or preparing a property for sale, small improvements can make a huge difference- both for your wallet and the planet!

Here are practical, effective, and budget-friendly ways to save energy in your home this winter and beyond:

1. Switch to LED Lighting

- Lighting accounts for a surprising portion of household energy use, especially in winter.
- LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last significantly longer.
- They also come in warm tones, making your home feel cosy while still being energy-efficient.

2. Draught-Proof Your Home

Heat escapes easily through gaps around windows, doors, floorboards, and chimneys.
Simple fixes like:
- door draught excluders
- self-adhesive seals around windows
- blocking unused fireplaces
can dramatically reduce heat loss and lower heating bills.

3. Turn Down the Thermostat- Even by 1ºC

Dropping your thermostat by just one degree can save a meaningful amount on annual heating costs, without noticeably affecting comfort.
Pair this with:
- warm throws
- thicker curtains
- door insulation
to retain heat more effectively.

4. Make Use of Smart Thermostats

- Smart heating controls allow you to heat rooms only when you need to, and cut back automatically when you don’t.
- These can learn your routine, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
- Perfect for busy households, home workers, and anyone wanting more control over their energy use.

5. Upgrade Old Appliances

Older appliances often use significantly more energy than newer, A-rated models.
Most impactful upgrades include:
- fridge/freezers
- washing machines
- dishwashers
- tumble dryers
Even if you can only replace one appliance at a time, choosing energy-efficient models pays off long term.

6. Reduce Hot Water Waste

Heating water is one of the biggest energy costs in a home.
Try:
- taking shorter showers
- washing clothes at 30°C
- fixing dripping taps
- installing a more efficient showerhead
- If you have a hot water cylinder, insulating it with a jacket can also cut heat loss.

7. Use Appliances More Efficiently

Small habits add up:
- Only boil the water you need
- Run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers
- Air-dry clothes where possible
- Switch appliances off at the wall (many still use standby power)

8. Check Your Insulation

Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Key areas include:
- loft/floor insulation
- cavity wall insulation
- pipe insulation
Good insulation means your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making it a strong selling point for buyers too.

9. Let the Sun Do the Work

- During the day, open blinds and curtains to allow natural warmth in.
- At night, close curtains to trap heat inside- especially if you have thicker or thermal-lined curtains.

10. Consider an Energy-Efficient Home Upgrade

If you’re thinking long-term, renewable energy options are becoming increasingly accessible, such as:
- solar panels
- air-source heat pumps
- improved glazing (double or triple)
These upgrades can improve EPC ratings and enhance the value of your home.

Saving energy isn’t just about reducing bills- it’s about creating a warmer, more comfortable, and more sustainable home. And for sellers or landlords, energy efficiency can boost your property’s appeal, EPC score, and long-term value.
This Big Energy Saving Week, small steps can lead to big savings.

Image: GettyImages/iStockPhoto