People across the UK are trying to keep their energy bills down
British Gas and other energy customers may be able to save(Image: Suzanne Plunkett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
With chilly conditions persisting throughout the UK, many households are attempting to strike a balance between maintaining warmth and controlling energy costs. Fortunately, families may be able to reduce their energy expenses by adopting specific hacks.
British Gas has compiled guidance that residents can follow, with one recommendation focusing on laundry habits. Washing machines, alongside tumble dryers and dishwashers, typically consume the highest amounts of energy, suggesting that adjustments in this area could yield substantial cost reductions.
The British Gas Energy Trust recommends: “Wash clothes at a lower temperature: Where possible, wash at 30C”. Consumers are also urged to ensure they have a full load of dirty laundry before operating their washing machine, as this will reduce the number of wash cycles.
Typically, households can anticipate spending between 40 to 50 pence per standard washing machine cycle, so fewer washes could deliver considerable savings. Additionally, British Gas suggests heating your home “not your walls”, by positioning foil insulation sheets behind radiators to bounce warmth back into the living space.
Remember to bleed your radiators if you detect cold patches, helping them operate at peak efficiency. Reduce radiator settings and close doors in unused rooms, whilst remaining vigilant about potential condensation issues this might create. Switch off lights in areas you’re not using.
Turn off devices like televisions, computers, and microwaves at the mains as they can still consume power whilst on standby. Don’t charge laptops and mobiles overnight, as they might consume more electricity than necessary.