Easily Reduce Your Energy Bills – (117+ Energy Saving Tips)

Due to rising energy costs, I have put together 117+ energy-saving tips for your home that can significantly reduce your energy usage.

Many of these tips are zero to low-cost with only a few will requiring a significant investment in both time and money.

1. Draught-proof Windows and doors – not forgetting the letterbox.

Walk around your home and seal all the draught sources.
Doing this reduces your energy bills by preventing heat loss during cold months and cool air loss during warmer weather.
Door draught excluders are easy to fit and come in many different forms and sizes.
Do not seal air bricks and ventilation grids as they allow the home to breathe and prevent dampness and associated problems.

2. Install a chimney balloon or chimney sweep.

A Chimney balloon or sweep sits inside the chimney to stop warm air from escaping and cold air from getting in. Think of it as closing a window.
Sealing this hole can reduce your energy bill by about 1.5% but always remember to remove the balloon or sweep before you relight the fire.

3. Insulate the attic floor.

Up to a quarter of hot or cold air can be lost through the roof of poorly or uninsulated attic space.
However, loft insulation – laid to the minimum depth requirement of your authority – will pay for itself many times within its 40-year lifespan.

4. Insulate The Loft Hatch.

Many people insulate the loft but neglect to insulate the loft hatch which then allows the heat to escape through it.
If you want to reduce your energy losses in this area then a draught-proofed loft hatch insulation kit is for you.

5. Install A Radiant Barrier.

A radiant barrier is a highly reflective foil-based material that when installed into your home can reduce attic temperatures by as much as 35 degrees.
With the installation of a radiant barrier, attic temperatures are reduced which reduces hot air transference to other areas of the home.
Reduced air overheating means less AC usage and lower utility bills.

6. Seal the gaps in floorboards and baseboards.

Inserting foam rods plus caulk to fill the gaps can significantly reduce your energy losses.
Alternatively, sand the boards then mix the sawdust with PVA glue and insert this into the gaps for a better color match.

7. Install Low-E Glass Storm Windows.

Traditional storm windows are single glazed with clear glass, but recent models are available with low- emissivity (low-E) coatings which make them about 50% more efficient.

Most low-E storm windows use clear low-E glass with a high solar transmittance that does not block sunlight. this is beneficial in northern regions where the sun’s warmth is used to offset the heating costs of the home.

In southern regions where cooling is of more concern than heating the ENERGY STAR program requires the low-E glass to have a lower solar transmittance.
Here the low-E glass is still insulating but also blocks more of the sunlight to reduce the costs of cooling the home.

8. Insulatate Under the Floor.

Placing insulation under the floor can reduce your energy bills and provide soundproofing by about 10% when installed by a professional.
If the floor can be accessed from underneath net hammocks can be strung up and filled with insulation for extra savings.

9. Install cavity wall insulation.

Installing cavity wall insulation will reduce energy transference in both the hot and cold months.
A good tip here is to check with your local authority or energy company as many offer this service at a subsidized cost or for free!

10. Insulate The Garage Door.

Insulating the garage door can influence the temperature of the internal space by 2 or 3 degrees which are important when trying to reduce your energy costs.
Garages can also share a party wall with the main house and so the temperature of the garage will affect the temperature of the house.

11. Insulate your inner or outer walls.

Putting a layer of drywall on the inner walls of your home is one way to insulate homes where cavity wall insulation is not an option.
Putting insulating layers directly onto the outside wall of a home is also possible but this may require expert help.

12. Hang thick and heavy curtains wherever possible.

Thick materials absorb heat and will act as a barrier to overpowering solar gain heating the room in summer. They also protect from inner room heat loss during winter nights.
This tip will reduce your energy costs for the heating and cooling systems, prevent them from overworking, and thereby extend the working life of both.

13. Don’t Close Curtains Over Radiators

If your radiator is on a wall with a window above it do not hang curtains that will cover the radiator.
Any heat generated by a curtain-covered radiator will be trapped between the curtains and the window and ultimately lost through heat transference.
Wherever possible tuck the curtains behind the radiator or fit blinds to cover the window.

14. Shut the windows in each room before it gets cold.

Summer provides free heat so don’t let all that free energy escape through an open window before the evening turns cold.
Doing this one simple tip will save you many hours of unnecessary heating and will reduce your energy costs as a result.

If the sun striking the windows is providing free heat, leave internal doors open to let the air circulate into the colder rooms.

15. Open The Windows In the Summer.

Air conditioning units consume a lot of energy but opening the windows in the morning will create a flow of cooling air for free.
Switching off the air conditioning unit for these first few hours will reduce your bills significantly and also extend the lifetime of your unit.

16. Install radiator reflectors.

Radiator reflectors are placed between the wall and the radiator and reflect the heat away from the wall and back into the room.

17. Turn down the thermostat.

By lowering a thermostat setting by a couple of degrees or turning it back overnight you can save up to 10% a year on energy costs.
If you have health concerns, elderly relatives, or small children in the house, don’t reduce the temperature too far.
Do not assume that by leaving the heating system always on, and setting the thermostat at a set temperature, the heating system will use less energy.

This is an urban myth and is simply not true!

18. Don’t Position The Thermostat Near The Front Door.

A thermostat placed near a door will be manipulated by the cold air rushing through the doorway forcing the boiler to fire up unnecessarily.

19. Take control of your radiators.

Turn down the radiator thermostats in the rooms that are rarely used to the minimum heat setting. This will reduce your energy usage and heating costs.
Do not turn the radiators off completely as a little heat helps to prevent dampness and maintains the system.

20. Don’t Block Radiators.

To maximize the heating ability of radiators you have to maintain a good airflow around them which means giving them space.
Putting items on or around a radiator disrupts the airflow, dumps the heat into the item, and increases the time it takes to heat the room.
To reduce your energy costs simply move your furniture and dry your clothes elsewhere.

21. Install a Smart programmable thermostat.

A smart thermostat allows you to control the heating system from outside your home via an app.
Depending upon the app you can control the heating remotely from wherever you are in the world so if you're not home, why heat it up!

22. Use A Hot Water Bottle

Rather than spending energy on an electric blanket try warming the bed with a hot water bottle instead.

23. Upgrade to double or triple glazing.

The energy efficiency of a window is measured by U-value with a lower U-value being better.
Single glazing has a value of 5, double glazing ranges from 3 to 1.7 and triple gazing is about 0.8.
So if you want to reduce your energy consumption you might want to consider updating your windows and begin reaping the benefits.

24. Install magnetic or clear film glazing.

A low-cost alternative to installing new windows is to add a second temporary window designed to fit around your first.
These windows come in kit form, are easy to fit, block air leaks and draughts and reduce heating costs through the winter months.

25. Upgrade to low-energy lightbulbs.

Low-energy light bulbs cost a little more but can be up to 90% more efficient and last up 20 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

26. Fit motion detector lights to improve security.

Motion detector lights will only come on a night and use radar to detect movement.
This reduces the need to leave lights on when you are away and their infrequent activation will deter and illuminate any unwelcome visitors.

27. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Turn your lights off when you are not using them or when you are leaving a room and you could save up to 26 dollars a year.
However, if you are constantly entering and leaving a room it may be more cost-efficient to leave the light on.

28. Avoid electric heating.

Electricity can be up to four times the price of natural gas so wherever possible avoid heating the home in this way.
If you have to use electricity consider infrared heating which is a portable low carbon, greener, and more sustainable solution.

29. Install A Heat Pump.

An electrical alternative to infrared heating that is becoming popular is the installation of a heat pump.
Heat pumps capture heat from outside your home and funnels it into your home.
Electricity is used to generate the heat energy but the heat energy delivered to your home is more than the energy used to power the system.

Heat pumps are low carbon, suitable for almost any home, and may reduce your energy bills, depending upon the system you are replacing and your circumstances.

30. Install A Solar Water Heater – Home/Pool.

A solar system can reduce utility costs for water heating by up to 70% and a supplementary electrical heating element can maintain temperature when solar is not available.

For technical information please visit – Americanwaterheater.com

31. Put A Jumper On.

Turning the heating on can become a habit but sometimes all you need to do is add an extra layer of clothing and move around.

In summer dress in thinner clothing to stay comfortable without the need for your AC unit.

32. Take advantage of cheaper energy times.

Ask your energy supplier when the cheaper tariffs start then use and charge your appliances during this time.
Typically this is through the nighttime hours when demand is low so run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer in these hours.

33. Install a smart meter.

These clever little devices can show you when your devices are using energy, how much it costs and which devices are using the most.
This information can show you which devices are energy inefficient, which need to be used less often, and which need to be run only at night.

34. Choose a specific appliance not to use for the day.

The best way to reduce your energy is to not use it at all so pick an appliance and ask everyone not to use it for the day.
Swap the hot drink for cold, eat a cold meal, leave the car and walk or my personal favorite – park the vacuum!

35. Don’t use plug-in air fresheners.

Plug-in air fresheners are a constant draw on your energy usage and can be dangerous to some pets.

Furthermore, they often carry phthalates that can trigger allergies and asthma in humans.

36. Regularly bleed air from your radiators.

If there is air trapped in your system the boiler will be working harder than it needs to and will be needlessly consuming energy.

If your radiators feel cool at the top but hot at the bottom then they need bleeding. (you will need a radiator bleed key).

Here’s how to do it without calling out a heating engineer.

• Turn on the central heating.
• Feel all the radiators in the home
• Switch off the heating
• Find the bleed valve (top left or right corner)
• Place a rag under the bleed screw.
• Loosen the bleed screw (careful the water will be hot)
• Wait for the hissing to stop, and the water starts escaping.
• Re-tighten the bleed valve and clean up drips
• Turn the heating on and check the radiators. 

You may need to repeat the process but go to the boiler once you are happy that all the air has been drained from the system.

Check that the system has enough pressure within it, normally about 12 to 15 psi.
If not, top up the pressure by using the filling loop on your boiler. It looks like either a tap or a lever on the main water supply to your boiler. 

37. Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance.

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units will only operate at peak efficiency if they are inspected, cleaned, and maintained on a regular schedule.

38. Plant trees around your home.

Trees reduce the chill factor in the winter months and provide shade lowering solar gain in the summer months.
The effect of planting trees around your home, therefore, is a real reduction in your heating and cooling bills.
In conjunction with these energy-reducing benefits, trees are also proven to increase a residential property’s value by 3 – 5% or more.

To avoid potential structural damage never plant a tree within 3 meters of a building.

39. Read A Book.

Reading a book is more relaxing than watching the T.V. and is free, so turn off your electrical distractions and enjoy some ‘me time.’

40. Recycle Your Newspapers Into Free Firewood.

Make use of old newspapers and cardboard by turning them into natural, non-toxic, burnable briquettes with the aid of a logmaker.
Each briquette is super easy to make, can burn for up to 2 hours, and be used indoors or on your favorite BBQ

41. Unplug Fully Charged Items.

Fully charged items such as mobile phones are still pulling electricity from the wall.
Phone charger (plugged in, not charging) – $0.50 annually.

42. Stop Using Standby Mode.

Whenever you leave an appliance in standby mode – rather than switching it off at the plug – it continues to draw power.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, between 9 – 16% of the electricity consumed in homes is used to power appliances left in standby mode.
So if you want to reduce your energy bill, don’t use the remote control, get up and TURN IT OFF!

A computer left on standby will not only cost you money but can be accessed by a hacker without your knowledge.

43. Invest in a power strip Surge Protector.

Reduce your energy consumption by putting what you can on a multi-socket power strip so everything can be switched off in one go.

A power strip with a surge protector (overload protection) will also protect all the connected devices from power surges and spikes.

44. Run Devices in Eco Mode.

Many devices have an Eco Mode that detects activity and automatically selects the most energy-efficient mode for the moment.
Other devices such as your phone, laptop, PC, or set-top box may have an Eco Mode in their settings where you can reduce their power usage.

45. Change PC Monitors And TVs To LCD Or LED.

Plasma TVs and older CRT TVs and PC monitors are not energy inefficient and typically use up to three times the power of an energy-efficient LED or LCD product.
The least efficient TV is a plasma screen TV. For example, a 42-inch plasma screen TV may use up to 50% more power than an energy-efficient 32-inch LCD TV.

So changing from a Plasma screen to an LCD TV will reduce your energy usage immediately.

46. Change To A Laptop Computer.

Modern laptops are as powerful as older desktop computers but use less energy to do the same job.
Laptops also power up and power down quickly which removes the temptation to leave them on when not in use which further reduces your energy consumption.
In addition, a laptop is an all-in-one solution so you no longer need to power a separate keyboard, speakers, webcam, monitor, and mouse.

47. Change To A Low Energy Printer.

An average (home use) inkjet printer consumes between 30 to 50 watts in printing mode, while a laser printer can consume between 300 to 550 watts.
During standby mode, an inkjet printer consumes 3 to 5 watts, while the laser printer consumes about 10 watts.

Changing to a modern inkjet printer can reduce your energy consumption and huge cost savings can be made if you choose a printer with a refillable ink tank.

48. Consider Fitting Solar Panels.

Solar panels are a great source of low carbon, renewable energy, and the government may even pay you to install them!
Plus, sunlight is free so once you have paid the installation costs your electricity costs will be reduced.
In addition, any energy generated but not used or stored by yourself can be sold to your energy supplier which can reduce your energy costs even further.

Solar panels cost between $15,000 and $30,000 or more to install and the prices vary greatly as they are influenced by a large number of factors.

49. Install Solar Lighting.

Solar-powered motion detector lights fitted outside will give you external light and protection but without the energy costs.

50. Use Solar Power To Charge Your Electrics.

Foldable solar chargers are a great way to charge your small electricals without plugging them into the mains.
Use solar chargers to quickly power up your smartphone, various apple products, outdoor camping, headphones, and many other USB items for free!

51. Charge small appliances At Work.

Many places offer charging stations for your small appliances so break the habit and stop charging them at home.
If you can’t find a charging station, be cheeky and take them to work with you.

52. Change Your Lightbulbs To LEDs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lightbulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
So switch to LED lighting now and you could reduce your energy bills for lighting by up to 75%!

53. Install Dimmer Switches.

A dimmer switch combined with dimmable LEDs means that 50% brightness equates to 50% power used or a 50% saving in cost.
The dimmer switch itself will be using some power but modern dimmer switches are now far more efficient than the earlier models.

54. Use Natural light.

Don’t turn on the lights but simply open the curtains where possible and for dark rooms consider adding mirrors to bounce the light around.

55. Rotate Ceiling Fan Blades.

For optimal airflow and energy usage, your ceiling fan should blow down in the summer and up in the winter.
A ceiling fan can adjust the room temperature by 4F with no reduction in comfort when used properly.

56. Make Use Of Free Energy – Shower At The Gym.

Why pay for energy when you can get it for free!
Wash and shower at the gym then visit family and friends or simply sit, read and chat at the local library or shopping mall.

It might seem a little cheeky but it gets you out of the house and will do wonders for your social life.

57. Switch Your Energy Supplier.

Save on your energy bills by using a price comparison site to find an energy supplier with cheaper tariffs.
You can then either move to the cheaper supplier or use this information to negotiate a better deal with your existing supplier.

Just be sure to check each company’s exit fees as this could potentially be more than you could save.

58. Check For Home Improvement Grants.

If you are considering some expensive upgrades to your home, check to see if you are eligible for any government grants.
Businesses may also give you a sizeable discount for their products in return for a good testimonial or advertising.

59. Fix The Leak – Turn Taps Off Properly.

It may not seem that serious but a dripping hot water tap can waste enough hot water in a single week to fill half a bath!

60. Set up A Maintenance Schedule.

Well-maintained equipment is more energy-efficient, lasts longer, and is cheaper to fix if a fault is found before it becomes a problem.
A scheduled regular check-up will keep air flows free from obstructions, vents clean and clear, filters dust-free, small electricals working and lower energy cost maintained.

61. Turn Down The Hairdryer Heat.

Hairdryers and hair straighteners are some of the most used and most energy-draining devices in the home.
Embrace the curls or set the appliance’s settings to a lower heat setting if you can’t quite go natural.

62. Don’t use gaming consoles to stream movies.

Gaming consoles can use up to 50x more power than streaming consoles alone.

63. Repaint Your Home.

Dark colors retain heat and lighter colors reflect heat so your exterior climate should influence your exterior paint choices.
The color palette also influences the human brain with yellows and reds inducing a feeling of warmth and blues and whites inducing colds.
Maybe you don’t need to turn the heating on you just need a warmer color palette within your home!

64. Lay A Carpet.

Floorboards, tiles, and linoleum look very nice but are good at conducting heat away from the room.
A good carpet underlay with a carpet over can trap the heat in the room and can reduce your energy bills by around $630 dollars over 10 years depending upon location.

65. Buy A Thicker Duvet

Buy a warmer duvet for the colder months or add extra layers to the bedcovers so that you don’t need any heating overnight.

Reduce your Energy – Kitchen

1. Choose Not To Use the extractor fan.

Using an extractor fan becomes a habit but fresh air is free and an open window works just as well, is free and uses zero energy.

2. Don’t leave a hot tap running.

A running tap wastes a lot of energy and it’s simply pouring money down the drain.
It’s far better for you and the environment to fill a sink for a shave, or a bowl for pre-washing and washing dishes.

3. Change to A-rated appliances or above.

To put it simply, the energy efficiency of a machine is rated from A (good) to G (poor). And a poorly rated machine will use more energy to accomplish its task.

4. Don’t Oversize Your Appliances.

A good rule of thumb is that bigger appliances use more energy.
Therefore you can reduce your energy consumption by only buying appliances that are the right size for your needs.

5. Keep your Refridgerator and freezer full.

Each time the door is opened the cold air is drawn out and warm air is drawn in forcing the appliance to work hard to rechill the air.
Filling that space with products or empty bags and boxes, bottles of water, etc will have the effect of cold air retention and reduce your energy consumption.

6. Don’t let your Refridgerator or freezer frost up.

A freezer full of ice, or a refrigerator laden with frost is a sure sign that the appliance is overworking and using more energy than required.
Avoid this by adopting regular cleaning and defrosting routines to keep their energy usage low.
Make sure to check the door seals are ok as a faulty seal will encourage frost, ice, and high energy usage, and also shorten the lifespan of the appliance.

7. Turn Off The Ice-Maker.

If your refrigerator temperature is set to low a strain will be put on the motor to reduce the temperature every time the door is opened.
According to the FDA, (Food And Drug Administration) the recommended temperature for a refrigerator is below 40 Degrees Fahrenheit, (4 degrees Celcius).

Did you know that the icemaker has a little heater to stop it from freezing up?
Turning off an icemaker can decrease the refrigerator’s energy consumption by up to an amazing 20%.
So if you want to reduce your energy bills – Buy an ice tray!

8. Don’t Put Hot Food In The Refrigerator.

Putting hot or warm food into a refrigerator puts an enormous strain on the refrigerator motor and ramps up its energy usage.
For optimal energy usage always allow food to cool to room temperature before putting it into a refrigerator or freezer.

Do put frozen food in the refrigerator to thaw as this helps to cool your refrigerator for free but it also ensures that the food defrosts evenly.

9. Ensure your refrigerator has good airflow.

Maintaining good airflow and regularly cleaning the coils at the back of your refrigerator will prevent heat build-up and an increase in energy usage.
The motor of a refrigerator can get very warm and its coils dissipate the heat to ensure minimum energy usage.

10. Move your Refrigerator.

Place your refrigerator in a cool shady environment with plenty of ventilation to keep it working at optimum efficiency.
A refrigerator placed near a heat source such as direct sunlight, cookers, tumble dryers, and radiators, will use more energy as it tries to maintain temperature.

11. Only fill the kettle With What You Need.

The more water you boil, the more energy you use and kettles are ferocious users of energy so only boil what you need.
If you need proof of this just turn your kettle on and watch your smart meter turn red or your electricity dial spin.
A quick and easy remedy is to buy a smaller A-rated kettle so you aren’t able to overfill.

12. Don’t Boil A Kettle For Every Hot Drink.

Some drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate, and specialty teas taste better if the water has reached boiling temperature.
Why pay for this excess energy if you don’t need to?

13. Don’t Use The Hob To Boil Water.

When cooking it is more energy and time-efficient to use a kettle to boil water and then transfer the water to the utensil on the hob for steaming or boiling.

14. Use Pan Lids When Cooking.

Covered pans reduce the need for an extractor fan to run and also reduce the time it takes to cook food.

15. Match The Pan To The Flame.

A large pan on a small flame will use more energy to heat and cook food. So wherever you can match the pan to the flame and stop wasting energy.

16. Invest In A Multi-cooker.

Reduce your need for several appliances and create healthier meals in less time, with little mess, and with up to 70% less energy.
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker is a prime example of a product in this range and is an Amazon bestseller with over 145,000 ratings!

17. Invest In A Slow Cooker – Crock Pot

Slow cookers are remarkably energy-efficient devices as they cook food beautifully and use little more energy than a traditional lightbulb.

The Centre For Sustainable Energy estimates the average electricity usage of an electric oven at between 2 – 2.2kWh, while a microwave uses between 0.6 – 1.5kWh and a slow cooker uses approximately 0.7kWh. 

18. Don’t Cook Inside, Cook Outside.

Free yourself from any energy costs by collecting and using waste wood to power your BBQ. (or use a logmaker)
Logmaker briquettes are a great eco-fuel that can also be used on internal fires

19. Cover exposed Floor Tiles In Winter.

Floor tiles absorb warm air and can chill a room quite quickly forcing the heating system to run for longer than necessary.
Covering this area with a non-slip rug will provide a good layer of insulation for the house and also your feet!

20. Invest In A Toaster Oven.

Toaster ovens are small, compact, and use less energy than their larger counterparts.
Small toaster ovens are also multifunctional which means that they can replace many other appliances saving both cost and space.

21. Invest In a Fan Assisted Oven

If you require a large oven for family-sized meals then invest in a fan-assisted or convection oven.
These ovens use fans to circulate heat around the food as it cooks which reduces cooking times, temperatures, and energy required and also produces a more even bake.

22. Don’t open the oven door when cooking.

Every time you open the oven door heat escapes and the oven needs to increase its power output to get back to temperature. (On average 77F / 25C is lost).
Cooking times also increase which means an additional increase in energy costs.

23. Turn Off The Oven / Hob.

Turn off the oven heat a few minutes before the cooking time runs out as the food will continue to cook without the need for extra power.

For the hob, match the pan material to the time of turning off the power. Copper-bottomed pans heat up quickly, stainless steel pans cool slower, and cast-iron pans retain heat for the longest time.

24. Quick Cook Food In A Microwave.

Microwaves use about 20% of the energy of a full-sized cooker and are great for reheating food quickly.
Only turn the microwave on when you need it as a microwave in standby mode will cost you about $4.50 annually.

25. Don’t Use The Microwave To Defrost Food.

The best way to reduce your energy consumption is to not use it at all so plan your meals ahead of time and use the refrigerator to defrost your food.
This will also halve the cooking time which further reduces the energy consumption in the cooking process.

26. Cook Food In Batches And Freeze.

Cook in large batches and freeze the portions for microwaving at a later date.
Thawing out frozen meals naturally will also reduce your energy usage so don’t be tempted to cheat here!

Reduce your Energy – Laundry/Utility room

1. Install A New Energy Saving Combi Boiler.

Combi boilers take water from the mains and then heat it as required meaning that hot water is available on-demand 24/7.
Newer boilers are fully programmable, have efficient burners, and recycle the heat in waste exhaust gasses to significantly reduce your energy costs.

A new A-rated boiler could reduce your energy costs by up to $500 and also reduce 1,500kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

For optimal performance make sure that the boiler pressure is between 1 – 2 bars, the ideal pressure for a boiler.

2. Turn down the water Temperature On your Combi Boiler.

If you are constantly adding cold water to your sink, bowl, or bath then you are heating the water unnecessarily and wasting expensive energy.
You can turn down the temperature on your combi boiler by adjusting the little tap icon.
Making sure that the temperature is just right will reduce your heating bills and reduce your overall energy consumption.

3. Turn Down The Heating Temperature On Your Combi Boiler.

The heating temperature on your combi boiler controls the heat of the water that is contained within the radiators.
You can turn down the temperature on your combi boiler by adjusting the control highlighted by a radiator icon.
If you set the temperature to about 122 degrees Fahrenheit – 50C – the boiler will operate to its maximum efficiency and reduce your energy costs.

4. Insulate your water heater/tank.

A hot water tank will waste a lot of energy over its lifetime if it is not properly insulated.
Insulation jackets are inexpensive, greatly limit heat loss, require no DIY knowledge to fit, and will pay for themselves very quickly.

5. Insulate Water Pipes.

Don’t just insulate the hot water tank insulate the pipes around it to prevent heat loss to the surrounding environment.
Both cold and hot water pipe insulation is important for reducing energy loss, especially if the pipes are running near outdoor environments.

6. Wash clothes at lower temperatures.

Modern washing powders are effective at removing dirt and stains at lower temperatures and shorter washing cycles.
Dropping the temperature and using shorter cycles will not affect the wash but will considerably reduce your energy usage.
One less wash cycle per week could save you up to 40 dollars annually!

However, you should do an occasional hot water wash to prevent bacteria and odors from building up in your machine.

7. Avoid washing until you have a full load.

Wait until you have a full load of washing before putting on a wash. as two half loads will use more water and energy than one full load.
And, unless your washing machine has a half load setting don’t waste water and energy by washing little and often; as two half loads will use more water and energy than one full load.
Also, consider soaking and then handwashing single items whenever possible.

8. Don’t Overload The Machine.

Clothes need space to move within the machine or the water and soap won’t penetrate effectively and you will need to separate, split the load, and re-wash them again.
This is a highly inefficient use of your water, soap, and energy so to reduce your energy bill fill the machine but don’t overfill.

9. Wash To The Shortest Cycle.

Most clothes won’t be heavily soiled and will clean just as effectively at a lower temperature and on a shorter cycle. (Some may even Cold wash).
Washing at the lowest practical cycle means less water, less heat, and less energy, with the added bonus that your clothes will last longer!

10. Pre-Soak where Possible.

Presoak dirty items before putting them in the machine to avoid repeated washes because the stains didn’t come out.
Treating collars, cuffs, and stains with soap or stain remover will avoid the potential of multiple washes and the resulting increase in energy usage.

11. Avoid using the Tumble Dryer.

An easy way to reduce your energy usage bills considerably is to air dry your clothes whenever possible.
Dryers consume a lot of energy in a very short period – about 4.5 kWh per cycle – therefore they can be very expensive to run.

12. Schedule a Washing and Drying Day.

If you must use your tumble dryer try to wash and dry everything in one day as all loads will take advantage of the heat already built up within the machines.

13. Keep your dryer in a warm room.

Placing your dryer in a warm location in your home means it will require less energy to warm the air to the necessary temperatures and will reduce your energy costs.

14. Don’t overdry your clothes.

Taking your clothes out of the tumble dryer before they are as dry as parchment will extend the life of your clothes, make ironing easier, and reduce your energy consumption.
So if your dryer has a moisture sensor… use it!

15. Never Mix Heavy And Thin Garments In The Dryer.

Don’t dry heavier towels and thicker garments with light garments as it will only extend the drying time and waste energy.
By placing materials of similar materials and drying times together, you can run shorter cycles, avoid dryer overwork and reduce your energy costs overall.

16. Use A tumble Dryer Ball.

Dryer balls create pockets of warm air between the laundry as the drum moves to help air the laundry and reduce drying times by up to 25%.
Depending upon the material chosen dryer balls can also be 100% organic, chemical-free, reduce wrinkles and lint and reduce ironing time.

17. Clean your dryer’s filters.

Blocked filters force the machine to work harder putting a strain on the motor which increases energy usage and reduces operating efficiency.

18. Ditch The Iron.

Many fabrics if air-dried correctly will dry without creasing and do not need to be ironed. Items that are worn under other clothing will never be seen and do not need ironing either.

19. Fill The Dishwasher.

A dishwasher will use less water and energy than multiple bowls filled with hot water.
Use this appliance during the night hours and you will have clean dishes every morning and it will reduce your energy costs.
Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week could save you up to $18 annually.

20. Air Dry Your Dishwasher dishes.

Turn off the heated dry function on your dishwasher and open the door to let them air dry instead.

21. Upgrade Your HVAC system – ENERGY STAR.

HVAC systems are composed of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. And due to weather conditions, ENERGY STAR gas furnaces are subject to different specifications between the northern and southern parts of the US.

A new U.S. south ENERGY STAR certification can save you up to 12% on your heating bill.
A new northern ENERGY STAR furnace featuring the ENERGY STAR logo can save you up to 16% on your heating bill.

Air conditioning systems are usually integrated with heating systems and so should be purchased together to attain maximum efficiency. ENERGY STAR central air conditioning units can be up to 8% more efficient than conventional models.

The ventilation system distributes hot and cold air throughout the home through a series of ducts. Ventilation ducts are often overlooked but must be properly insulated, sealed, and maintained to reduce your energy loss effectively.

A well-maintained and properly insulated ventilation system could reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20%.

Reduce your Energy – Bathroom

1. Take short showers – don’t bathe.

Limiting your shower time – with the help of a shower timer – to just 4 minutes could save a typical household up to $90 per year on their energy bills.
Showers can use up to 5 gallons of water per minute so a 4-minute shower can use 20 gallons.
However, the average bathtub holds 100 gallons of water with an average fill of about 50 gallons per bath due to water displacement.
Therefore every shower can save about 30 gallons of water and heating energy.

2. Install a low-flow showerhead.

A low-flow showerhead explodes a low-pressure stream of high-energy, large water droplets that maximize water and energy savings without sacrificing performance.
For even bigger savings try turning the water off to lather and then back on again to rinse or if your brave, try cold showers!!!

3. Install tap aerators.

These inexpensive little gadgets are easy to install and are designed to reduce water flow by up to 50% without the perceived loss of pressure.
This means that 50% less water requires heating and thereby provides a cheap and unnoticeable way to reduce your energy bills

4. Don’t run the tap when shaving.

Using a full sink of hot water rather than keeping the tap running will use significantly less hot water and will reduce those heating bills.

5. Arrange a Water Saving Home Visit.

some water companies offer to visit you at home and will provide a free of charge water audit to give you tips on how to use less water.
They may also provide you with a free water-saving kit or offer you low-cost devices specially designed for your needs such as showerheads and tap inserts.

6. install thermahood Downlight Covers.

Downlights in attic ceilings are a weak point against heat loss as gaps between the plasterboard and fitting allow warm air to escape.
Thermahood downlight covers provide an air-tight which dramatically reduces heat loss and allows insulation to be placed over the light.

Thermahood downlight covers also reduce noise pollution and prevent spiders and small insects from entering the home through the light fitting.

In Summary.

Energy conservation is important and not only does it save you money but it also increases the value of your home and lowers your carbon emissions.

So if you want to live a life of sustainability, be green positive, and reduce your energy costs then all you need to do is break a few bad habits and create some good ones.