22 Nov 2024
With energy prices remaining high in recent years, it’s important to use appliances wisely to save money and protect the environment. When buying appliances like washing machines, cookers, tumble dryers, or TVs, check their energy ratings. Models rated A+, A++, or A+++ are significantly more energy-efficient than standard A-rated ones.
It’s also important to avoid leaving appliances on standby when you’re done using them. By switching off all appliances when they’re not in use, the average household could save around £40 a year.
We recommend that our customers explore simple methods to reduce energy consumption at home. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Use low energy lightbulbs (ideally LEDs) and turn off unnecessary lighting (costs for lighting may account for around 10-20% of your electricity bill).
- Familiarise yourself with how to use any heating controls. Reducing your thermostat by just 1 degree could save you 10% on your heating bill.
- Switch off appliances that are on standby – this could save you up to £40 on your electricity, while saving up to 45kg of carbon dioxide each year.
- Close your curtains at dusk to help keep heat in.
- Only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need, making sure to cover the kettle element, which could save around £12 in energy bills a year.
- Use your washing machine and tumble dryer wisely (including any communal washing machines and tumble dryers if you live in a housing scheme where these are available).
- Cooking in an air fryer uses less electricity than an electric oven. If you cooked 600g of chicken breast in an air fryer it would be 6p less expensive than the oven; and 1kg of chips would cost 13p less in an air fryer, saving you money on your electricity bill.
- Spending one minute less in the shower each day could save around £8 - £12 per person per year.
For more information on how you can save energy here or contact the Northern Ireland Energy Advice Line on 0800 111 44 55.
