Saving energy is a lot easier than you might think, and you truly won’t have to go without as many luxuries as you might imagine. It doesn’t even have to be as expensive as searching for air source heat pump installers, or hunting for a company who is willing to install your insulation. Here are five top tips to help you save on your energy consumption in 2023, thus saving you money on your energy bills.
Don’t charge your phone overnight
Most of the appliances in our homes use energy when they’re on standby mode. Once your phone battery is totally full, it will enter standby mode or continue to attempt to power your phone when you aren’t even using it. This means you’re wasting energy on a device that isn’t even being used for hours at a time. Try charging your phone before you go to bed, switching the charger off at the wall when you’re going to sleep, then turning it on again in the morning.
Use the microwave instead of the oven
The microwave is a symbol of convenience for most, but it’s time for this device to make its eco-friendly resurgence. Typically, a microwave will use 80% less energy to cook a ready meal compared to heating it in the oven. It is, however, difficult to compare cooking using a microwave to cooking using a hob. While a microwave will use less energy, many anticipate that it is cheaper to use a gas hob.
Change how you use the washing machine
Did you know that washing clothes at 30 degrees will save around 40% of the energy used for a hotter wash, and your clothes will be just as clean. While an eco wash may run for a bit longer than a standard wash, they use less energy and less water. Many experts also suggest waiting until you have enough for a full wash, rather than just putting a few bits and pieces in the machine, can save you £28 each year and 23 kg of CO2.
Cover your pans
There are two major benefits of following this tip. Firstly, food that’s in a saucepan that’s covered will cook faster. Secondly, it will help you to save energy. Simply turn off the hob a few minutes before the food will be fully cooked, and allow it to sit in the pan with the lid on. The food inside will keep cooking, and you’ll save a pretty penny on the gas bill.
Keep the fridge full
It may seem counterintuitive, but it does cost more money to keep an empty fridge running than it does a full one. In fact, Location Location Location presenter Phil Spencer has recommended filling your fridge with bottles of tap water. The freezer is the worst offender however, and also uses more energy when not full. Instead of bottles of water, consider using bags of ice to keep the running cost of the device down.
All in all, there are plenty of things you can do to save a few quid on the energy bills in 2023, as well as doing your bit to save the planet!