Find out how appliances can make your home more energy-efficient and save you money, while smart meters can help you keep an eye on your energy use.
You can make your home more energy-efficient by making small changes in how you use your energy or by spending a little in the short term to make greater future savings.
Small changes you can start today:
Switch off from the mains to save. Familiar with the red ‘standby’ light? You might be surprised to learn that the average UK household spends around £30 per year on their appliances left on standby.(1)
- Fully load your dishwasher. Always remember that you use the same amount of energy whether you load one cup or all the cutlery used to serve a Sunday roast in the dishwasher.
Dial down the degrees on your clothes wash. Next time you put clothes in the washing machine, set the wash to 30° to save 40% of electricity.(1)
Hang your clothes out to dry. Hanging your clothes out to dry is more energy-efficient than a tumble dryer and can save you up to £30 per year.(1)
Clean and defrost your fridge-freezer. Remember to defrost and clean your fridge-freezer regularly – this will help your appliance to work more efficiently.
Energy-efficient appliances
Upgrading your home appliances can be costly. However, if you choose wisely, you can save on your energy bills in the long term. The important thing to check when you’re buying a new appliance is its rating.
Under current EU law, all appliances you will buy must carry an energy-efficiency label.
Ratings from A-G
The ratings go from A (green and most efficient) to G (red and least efficient).
How do energy efficiency labels work?
Energy ratings are given to products based on their size. Therefore, two differently sized appliances with the same energy rating will use different amounts of electricity. an A+++ fridge freezer compared to an A+ model could save you as much as £200 and 580kg of CO2 over the appliance's lifetime.(1)
Be savvier with the energy efficiency of your appliances
Invest more in your appliances now to make long term savings in the future. And to improve the efficiency of your boiler, consider installing a smart thermostat.
Energy-efficient kitchen
Cooker. Choose an oven with an A+ rating. A pyrolytic function can also be an energy-intensive means of cleaning which can contribute to higher running costs.
Microwave. They provide a much more energy-efficient way of cooking food as unlike ovens they only heat your food and not the air-space inside.
Dishwasher. Choose an A+++ rating as they cost around £7 less to run than the lowest rated dishwashers that you can buy of the same size, and they use less water.
Fridge Freezer. It’s best to choose an A+++ fridge freezer as it’s the one appliance that has to be switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Kettle. Invest in a kettle that only boils the amount of water you need to save around 20% less energy than a traditional kettle.
Energy-efficient bathroom
Toilet. If you choose a dual flush toilet, you can save water and energy. A dual-flush means you only use the water you need, so you lower your impact on the environment and save money on your water bills.
Insulation. When a bathroom's properly sealed, you need less energy to keep it warm. If you're remodelling, skimping on insulation is a false economy.
- Fittings. A water-efficient showerhead can reduce your water usage by around 40 litres a day.
Energy-efficient bedroom
Lighting. Invest in smart lighting to create a warm ambience made for a cosy night in. Not only that, but smart bulbs last up to 25,000 hours and use significantly less energy than a traditional light bulb.
- Draught excluders. If you find any gaps or cracks in your windows, be sure to invest in some draught excluders to keep all the heat escaping from your room. Also make sure you open your curtains during the day to let the sun heat up your room, and then close them in the evening to keep it well insulated.
Energy-efficient living room
Television. The larger the screen, the more energy you’ll consume. However, you can make a saving of around £20 per year if you opt for an A++ over an A-rated screen.
Smart speakers. These generally cost around £5 per year to run and are often left on standby mode. It’s worth considering whether you need to have your speaker switched on all day.
How smart meters help with energy efficiency
One of the best ways to become more energy efficient is by installing a smart meter. Keep your daily costs at the front of your mind and be in control of your energy usage. With a smart meter, you can see your energy use in pounds and pence, in near-real-time. You’ll also receive automatic readings, so you'll no longer have to put up with inconvenient meter readings. Best of all, you'll never have an estimated bill again. You simply pay for the energy you use.
Are you interested in getting a smart meter? See if there are appointments available in your area.
Energy-saving hacks
These handy household tips could save you energy and money. Find out how to make your home cosier, and be good to your pocket and to our planet.
Energy-efficient heating
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Energy-efficient lighting
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Saving energy in the summer
During the warmer summer months we naturally use less electricity. However, there are still ways you can reduce your electricity bill and save even more in summer.