With the cost of living soaring, gas and electricity prices are a huge strain on millions of households up and down the country.
As we look to save on our energy bills, an energy expert has shared simple tips on how to cut the cost of your electricity bills. Archie Lasseter is the sustainability lead at the gas and electricity supplier, Utilita Energy, and has recommended some simple changes that could add up to an annual saving of up to £332, as well as helping to reduce your environmental impact.
As previously reported, a Utilita survey found that 81 per cent of respondents were worried about their ability to afford their energy bills. Three out of five - 62 per cent - didn’t know whether their hot water was set at the optimum temperature of 50C, and half of those questioned were unaware that hot water temperature could be set differently to that of radiators.
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Utilita has now shared some tips that could see people bring their electricity bills down considerably.
Don't keep the lights on
It's easy to leave the lights on when you aren't in a room, but this can prove to be a costly habit that adds extra money to your bills. Simply turning out lights in rooms that aren't being used can save £25 a year on your electricity bill. To make it easier to remember to switch the lights off, Archie recommends purchasing a timer socket or voice-activated smart plug to take control of your appliances and save energy.
Archie said: "There's a £25 saving every household can make, by making sure lights aren't left on in unoccupied rooms. We're all guilty of leaving lights on, but a bit of technology can help us to avoid this, and it doesn't need to be expensive tech, either.
"Non-digital timer plugs cost less than £3, and can be set for sunrise and sunset, to ensure the light is only on when required. For voice-activated smart homes, an £8 plug can be told to 'turn on lights' as we head to bed."
Make small changes
Making small changes to the way you use energy in your home can add up to significant annual savings. Turning the heating down by one degree could result in a saving of £158, whilst turning down your hot water tap temperature can reduce bills by around £79.
Leaving appliances on standby when you are not using them continues to use energy, so turning them off at the wall is a simple way to save money. Archie estimates that this can help to cut your yearly bills by around £54. Washing your clothes at 30 degrees uses considerably less energy than washing them at 40 degrees, and could result in a saving of £16 a year.
Switch to energy saving light bulbs
Research conducted by Utilita Energy revealed that around 8.3 million British homes are yet to switch to energy saving light bulbs, which use less power than regular light bulbs. Switching to energy saving light bulbs can cut electricity bills by around £30 and can be purchased from popular retailers.
Create bright, light spaces
Another of Archie's energy-saving tips is to point your lamp at a light coloured wall in order to create a light, bright space. This will help the light to travel further, making the room brighter. The colour of your lampshade can make a difference, too. Dark lampshades will absorb light, so it's best to avoid these if possible.
Check your outside lights
Sometimes it can be easy to forget about outdoor lighting, as you can't see it as easily. Archie stresses the importance of ensuring your security light is only serving its purpose and isn't coming on unnecessarily.
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