During the Cost of Living Crisis

Let’s face it—energy prices are skyrocketing, and the cost of living crisis is making it tougher for families everywhere. But don’t worry! There are tonnes of simple and effective ways to cut down on your energy usage and bring those bills back under control. We’ve gathered 100 ways to save energy in 2024 that’ll help make your home more efficient and save you money. Whether you’re already doing a few or totally new to this, you’ll find some excellent ideas here.

Table of Contents

During the Cost of Living Crisis

1. Insulate Your Loft

Did you know that the roof allows 25% of heat to escape? Insulating your loft is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep that warmth inside where it belongs.

2. Seal Up Wall Cavities

If you’ve got hollow walls, insulating them can seriously reduce heat loss. Best of all, many energy companies offer this for free!

3. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

LEDs use a fraction of the energy traditional bulbs use and last much longer. Make the switch, and you’ll notice an instant impact on your electricity bill.

4. Install a Heat Pump

If your boiler is nearing its end of its useful life, consider upgrading to a heat pump. Government schemes could even pay you to use these eco-friendly systems, which are highly efficient.

5. Draught-Proof Doors and Windows

Tiny gaps around doors and windows allow a surprising amount of warm air to escape. Weatherstripping or draft excluders can work wonders!

6. Shower, Don’t Bathe

Showering consumes significantly less hot water compared to bathing, particularly when you keep your showers brief and efficient.

7. Cut Your Shower Time

Love long showers? Cutting them down by just a few minutes can save you loads on water and energy.

8. Keep Windows Shut in Winter

It’s simple to forget, but keeping your windows closed when the heating is on helps trap warmth inside and stops your heating system from working overtime.

9. Close Your Curtains at Night

Thick curtains are more than just decor—they help block out the cold. Close them at night to keep the warmth in.

10. Use a Chimney Balloon

Got a fireplace you don’t use? Plug it with a chimney balloon or sheep to stop cold air from slipping in and warm air from escaping.

11. Turn Down Your Water Heater

Why pay to heat water hotter than you need? Setting your water heater to 120°F (49°C) keeps things cosy without wasting energy.

12. Wrap Your Hot Water Tank

If your hot water cylinder isn’t insulated, it’s like leaving a window open in winter. A quick insulation jacket can help keep the heat in.

13. Upgrade to Double Glazing

If your windows are letting out more heat than you’d like, consider upgrading to double or even triple glazing. It’s an investment, but the savings add up.

14. Try Secondary Glazing

Are you hesitant to invest in new windows? Magnetic secondary glazing is a cheaper alternative that improves insulation and blocks noise too.

15. Turn Down the Thermostat

Turning down your thermostat by just one degree can save you around £50 a year—and you probably won’t even notice the difference!

16. Let the Sunshine In

Open your curtains during the day in the winter to let natural sunlight warm up your home. It’s free, and it works!

17. Opt for A-Rated Appliances

If you’re buying new appliances, go for the most energy-efficient models you can find. They might cost a bit more upfront, but the energy savings are worth it in the long run.

18. Install Motion-Sensor Lights

Forget leaving the lights on! Motion-sensor lighting is perfect for areas like hallways and bathrooms where lights are often forgotten.

19. Microwave Over Oven

Microwaves use way less energy than your oven, especially when reheating leftovers. Use them whenever you can to save both time and electricity.

20. Check Your Fridge Seals

Loose seals on your fridge doors make the appliance work harder to stay cool. Monitor them closely and replace any damaged ones.

21. Fill Up Your Freezer

A full freezer runs more efficiently because there’s less air to cool. So, stock up! And if you’ve got empty space, fill it with water bottles to help it run smoothly.

22. Unplug Unused Devices

Even when plugged in, electronics continue to consume power. Unplug things like phone chargers, TVs, and kitchen gadgets when you’re not using them.

23. Use Power Strips

Plugging multiple devices into a power strip makes it easier to switch them all off at once, cutting down on phantom energy use.

24. Switch Off Lights

Sounds basic, but turning off lights when you leave a room is a quick way to save energy, especially if you haven’t switched to LEDs yet.

25. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Modern detergents work just as well in cold water, so skip the hot wash and save energy. Your clothes (and your wallet) will thank you.

26. Hang Dry Laundry

Tumble dryers are energy hogs. Whenever possible, hang your clothes to dry outside or on a rack indoors to save money on electricity.

27. Clean Dryer Lint Filters

If you do use a dryer, make sure to clean out the lint filter after every load. It enhances the machine’s efficiency, thereby consuming less energy.

28. Grill and BBQ in the Summer

Cooking outside when the weather is warm means less heat in your kitchen—and less need for air conditioning or fans.

29. Boil Only What You Need

Avoid overfilling the kettle for a single cup of tea! Boil only the water you need to save both time and energy.

30. Use Eco Settings on Appliances

Many modern washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers have eco settings that use less water and energy. Use them whenever possible.

31. Install Low-Flow Showerheads

Low-flow showerheads reduce water use without sacrificing pressure. You’ll save on both water and heating costs.

32. Fill the Dishwasher

Don’t run the dishwasher until it’s full. You’ll maximise each cycle and save water and electricity.

33. Use Tap Aerators

Tap aerators inject air into the water flow, so you use less water without noticing any difference in pressure.

34. Batch Cook Meals

Make extra food and store it in the fridge or freezer to reheat later—this reduces the number of times you need to use your oven or stove.

35. Keep Fridge and Freezer Full

An emptier fridge or freezer has to work harder to stay cold, so keep it well-stocked for maximum efficiency.

36. Fix Leaky Taps

A dripping tap can waste gallons of water over time. Fix leaks quickly to save water (and lower your water heating costs).

37. Install a Smart Thermostat

You can control smart thermostats from your phone, eliminating the risk of inadvertently leaving the heating on while you’re away.

38. Close Vents in Unused Rooms

If you have rooms you rarely use, close the heating vents in them to avoid wasting energy.

39. Put Radiator Reflectors Behind Heaters

Reflectors help bounce heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through walls.

40. Unplug Fully Charged Devices

Once your phone or laptop is fully charged, unplug it to save energy and extend battery life.

41. Cook with Lids On

Covering your pots and pans when cooking helps reduce cooking time, which saves energy.

42. Use the Right Sized Burner

Using a small pan on a large burner is wasteful. Match the burner size to your pot for maximum efficiency.

43. Air Dry Your Dishes

Skip the heated drying setting on your dishwasher and let your dishes air dry instead. It’ll save electricity.

44. Install Thick Rugs

Adding rugs to your floors provides extra insulation and keeps rooms warmer during the colder months.

45. Turn Off Your Oven Early

Turn off the oven a few minutes before your food is fully cooked. The residual heat will finish the job without wasting energy.

46. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly

In the summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate anticlockwise to push cool air down. In the winter, reverse it to pull warm air up.

47. Install a Smart Meter

Smart meters give you real-time data on your energy use, helping you see where you can make cuts and reduce waste.

48. Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Wrapping your hot water pipes in insulation keeps water warmer for longer, reducing the need to reheat it and cutting down on energy use.

49. Use Thermal Window Curtains

These heavy-duty curtains are designed to help insulate your windows, keeping heat in during winter and blocking heat out in the summer.

50. Cook in Batches

Preparing meals in bulk and reheating them can save you both time and energy, especially when you use a microwave for reheating instead of the oven.

51. Install Solar-Powered Ventilation Fans

Solar-powered fans can help regulate temperatures in your attic or garage without increasing your electricity bills.

52. Use Ceiling Fans Instead of Air Conditioning

Ceiling fans use far less energy than air conditioners and can keep rooms comfortable in the warmer months.

53. Plant Shade Trees

Planting trees strategically around your home can help block direct sunlight and reduce your need for air conditioning during summer.

54. Use the Right Sized Appliance for Your Needs

Avoid oversized appliances (like fridges or ovens) if you don’t need them. Larger appliances consume more energy, even when not fully used.

55. Keep Your Oven Door Clean

A clean oven door allows you to peek at your food through the window without opening it and letting heat escape.

56. Install an Energy Monitor

Energy monitors track your household’s electricity use in real-time, helping you identify where you can save.

57. Turn Off Your Computer’s Screensaver

Screensavers don’t actually save energy. Instead, set your computer to go to sleep after a period of inactivity.

58. Opt for Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

Install blinds or reflective shades that help keep heat out during the summer and trap warmth inside during winter.

59. Use a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are incredibly energy-efficient compared to ovens or stoves. They are ideal for cooking meals that require several hours to prepare.

60. Clean Furnace Filters

Dirty filters make your furnace work harder. Replace or clean them regularly for better efficiency and lower energy costs.

61. Lower the Temperature on Your Washing Machine

At 30°C (86°F), you can effectively clean most loads of laundry while using less energy than hotter cycles.

62. Install Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat your water, which can significantly reduce energy consumption over time.

63. Close Doors to Unused Rooms

Keep doors closed to rooms you rarely use, preventing heated or cooled air from travelling into those areas and wasting energy.

64. Position Your Fridge Away from Heat Sources

Ensure your fridge isn’t placed near the stove, dishwasher, or direct sunlight. The heat makes it work harder to stay cool.

65. Air-Dry Dishes Instead of Using a Dishwasher’s Heat Cycle

Skip the energy-consuming heat-dry option on your dishwasher. Simply open the door to let your dishes air-dry naturally.

66. Insulate Your Garage

An insulated garage prevents cold air from creeping into your home and keeps your space more energy-efficient.

67. Install Water-Saving Toilets

Upgrade to low-flow toilets that use less water per flush, which not only saves fluid but reduces the energy used in water heating.

68. Use Energy-Efficient Pool Pumps

If you have a pool, switch to an energy-efficient pump, which uses less energy than standard pumps without sacrificing performance.

69. Make Use of Daylight Sensors

Install daylight sensors for your outdoor lights so they only turn on when it’s dark and turn off when it’s bright, saving energy automatically.

70. Install Attic Vents

Attic vents improve airflow, which helps regulate temperatures in the attic and reduces your need for air conditioning in summer.

71. Use Heat-Reflective Paint

If you live in a warm climate, applying heat-reflective paint to your roof can help reflect sunlight, keeping your home cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.

72. Opt for a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters only heat water as you need it, unlike traditional water heaters that keep a tank of water constantly heated.

73. Install Radiant Barriers in Your Attic

Radiant barriers reflect heat away from your home, reducing the amount of heat that builds up in your attic and keeping your home cooler.

74. Choose Energy-Efficient Landscaping

Select drought-tolerant plants that need less water and create natural windbreaks or shade to help control your home’s temperature and lower energy use.

75. Use Timers on Appliances

Install timers on things like outdoor lighting, water heaters, and even holiday decorations to ensure they are only running when necessary.

76. Opt for Smart Shades or Blinds

By programming motorised blinds to open and close at ideal times, you can naturally regulate indoor temperatures and lessen your reliance on heating and cooling systems.

77. Use a Solar Cooker

If you love to cook outdoors in the summer, try using a solar cooker. These handy devices use the sun’s rays to cook food, eliminating the need for gas or electricity.

78. Perform Regular HVAC Maintenance

Schedule annual check-ups for your HVAC system to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible and to catch any issues before they become costly.

79. Use Fans Instead of Portable Heaters

Instead of using energy-intensive space heaters, consider using ceiling or oscillating fans to distribute warmth more efficiently.

80. Keep Radiators Clear

Ensure that furniture, curtains, or other obstructions aren’t blocking your radiators, as they’ll make it harder for the heat to circulate properly.

81. Close the Fireplace Damper When Not in Use

An open fireplace damper allows heat to escape up the chimney. Close it when the fireplace isn’t in use to conserve warmth.

82. Replace Old Weatherstripping

Over time, weatherstripping around doors and windows can wear out. Replace it to stop drafts and maintain indoor temperatures.

83. Use a Pool Cover

If you have a pool, use a cover when it’s not in use. It helps prevent water evaporation and reduces the energy needed to keep the water warm.

84. Paint Walls Lighter Colours

Light-coloured walls reflect more sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and keeping rooms cooler in the summer.

85. Install a Greywater System

Greywater systems recycle water from sinks, showers, and washing machines to use for irrigation, reducing both water and energy consumption.

86. Service Your Fridge

Make sure your refrigerator seals are airtight and the coils are clean. A well-maintained fridge runs more efficiently and uses less energy.

87. Opt for Sustainable Flooring

Choose materials like bamboo or cork for flooring, which not only have a smaller environmental impact but can also help insulate your home.

88. Use LED Holiday Lights

When it’s time to decorate for the holidays, switch to energy-efficient LED lights. They use far less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs.

89. Install a Whole House Fan

Whole-house fans can quickly cool down your home in the evening by pulling in cooler outdoor air, reducing the need for air conditioning.

90. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Energy Rates

If your energy provider offers lower rates during off-peak hours, schedule energy-heavy activities like laundry or running the dishwasher during these times.

91. Get an Energy Audit

Consider getting a professional energy audit of your home. Experts can identify where your home is losing energy and provide tailored solutions to save.

92. Use Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

When it’s time to replace your roof, opt for energy-efficient materials like metal roofing or cool roofing tiles that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.

93. Turn Off Unused Water Features

If you have fountains or water features in your yard, turn them off when you’re not around to enjoy them to save energy.

94. Install Smart Power Strips

Smart power strips automatically cut off power to devices when they’re not in use, preventing energy waste from appliances in standby mode.

95. Install a Water Softener

Hard water forces appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to work harder. A water softener can extend the life of these appliances and reduce energy use.

96. Use Insulated Doors

Just like windows, doors can allow drafts. Installing energy-efficient, insulated doors helps keep your home’s temperature stable.

97. Hang Clothes Indoors in Winter

If it’s too cold to hang clothes outside, use an indoor drying rack instead of relying on the tumble dryer.

98. Use Solar Window Film

You can apply solar window films to your existing windows to reflect heat and UV rays, keeping your home cooler in the summer without sacrificing natural light.

99. Cover Your Water Heater

If you have an older water heater, invest in a water heater blanket. It’ll help keep the heat inside the tank, reducing the energy needed to maintain hot water.

100. Install a Green Roof

A green roof with vegetation can provide insulation, reduce heat absorption, and help manage rainwater—all while creating a beautiful natural space.

Time to Take Action!

Saving energy at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By trying out even just a handful of these 100 energy-saving tips, you can start seeing a positive impact on your energy bills and the environment. Whether you’re looking to make small changes or planning for bigger upgrades, every step counts!

What tips have worked for you? Let us know in the comments and keep sharing your experiences to help others tackle the cost of living crisis too! Continue reading to discover “10 Freebies and Grants to Slash Your Winter Energy Bills!” Don’t Miss These Tips!