After the news of the energy price cap going up by 54%, it’s time to figure out different ways to conserve energy at home. On top of that, we’re also facing higher bills in other areas of life as the cost of living crisis takes a hold. Interest rates have doubled, food prices are on the up and we’re being hit with higher taxes via a National Insurance rise. Being able to save money where we can will help.
Drop The Central Heating
One of the tiny pieces of light in the darkness of the energy price cap going up is that it is going up in April. That means that it should be starting to get warmer. So switching off your central heating or at least lowering the temperature on your thermostat will save you some money. It might mean an extra jumper or blanket on the bed at night but you can save paying for that heating bill for a few months.
Dry Clothes Outside
Only use your washing machine with full loads and maybe drop the 2 hour run time to a quick wash instead. On a colder temperature too. Then use the weather to dry you clothes. As long as it’s not raining or freezing, your clothes will dry most days. Tumble dryers cost a small fortune to run. Simply use the highest spin cycle setting before taking your clothes out the machine. Then pop them on the line outside. Wind power is incredible and using the natural way to dry your clothes on a washing line is a great way to save energy and the money you’d pay for it.
Where Else Can You Shower?
Next on our list of different ways to conserve energy is a bit off the wall. A daily shower might not seem like too much energy, however, is it possible for you to cut it out at home altogether? Many people are members of the gym and at most gyms there are showering facilities. Maybe even at your work place there could be washing facilities? Maybe even enjoy your hot meal at work and then have a sandwich at home in the evenings to cut out having to use your stove. Lots of work kitchens have microwaves to heat up a bowl of soup. You could even fill a flask with boiling water to take home for a cup of tea so you don’t have to boil the kettle at home. It feels dramatic but it can make such a difference.
There are lots of normal ways to save money on energy at home. Turn lights off when you aren’t using them. Switch appliances off at the mains when they aren’t in use instead of leaving on standby. If you need to heat a room, turn down radiators in other rooms.
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Final Thoughts
The thing is, we don’t know exactly what energy prices are going to do after this. The next energy price cap rise or fall will be in October. If it was to go up again, we’d be looking at higher energy prices during the coldest and darkest months of the year.
Now is the time to start figuring out how to save money in other areas of life so you can direct those savings to your energy bills. How can you make more money so you are in a better financial situation to pay these higher bills? Start with switching your bank account and getting paid for it! It’s a rough time and different ways to conserve energy will make a small difference but bills will still go up.
