3 easy energy bill hacks that will save your household budget

Bills going up again? You’re not alone. With the cost of living rising across the UK, cutting down on household costs is top of the list for many of us. Sure, big projects like new insulation or a smart heating system can save money over time – but they also demand cash, time, and careful planning.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for a full renovation to see results. There are 3 easy energy bill hacks for your home budget.

Find hidden electricity consumption to reduce your energy bills

Many electronic devices draw standby power, consuming electricity even when they are switched off. While the glowing red light on your TV or charger may seem trivial, these phantom loads can account for 5–10% of your total energy usage.

Key problem areas:

• Phone and laptop chargers.
• TVs, soundbars, and gaming consoles.
• Microwaves (to power the clock), coffee machines, and toasters that remain plugged in.
• Office equipment (printers, monitors, etc.).

Simply disconnecting these items when not in use results in immediate savings on your household budget.

Maximise washing machine efficiency – an easy energy bill hack

Laundry is part of everyday life, but it’s also one of the biggest hidden energy drains at home. Here’s how to cut waste and save money.

1. Wash Smart

Turn the heat down – most of the energy your washing machine uses goes into heating the water. Today’s detergents clean brilliantly even at 30°C,  so skip the 40°C wash and save energy.

Fill it up – don’t run half loads. A half-empty drum still uses nearly the same amount of water and electricity as a full one. Wait until the drum is full before starting a cycle.

2. Dry Efficiently

Spin more, dry less – use a high-speed spin before you move clothes to the dryer. This removes extra water, meaning your dryer doesn’t have to work as hard.

Use natural air – on sunny or breezy days, hang clothes outside or use an indoor airer. It’s free, fresh, and kinder to your fabrics.

Choosing energy-efficient appliances also matters. Check out our „The Ultimate Solar Panel Buying Guide” to see how solar power can cut your energy bills even further.

Optimise your heating and hot water use

Heating and hot water account for the largest single portion of the energy bill in a typical British home. Small changes in how you manage your thermostat and hot water use can bring significant savings without compromising comfort.

The „One-Degree” Thermostat Trick

This is probably the simplest and most effective method. Lowering your central heating thermostat by just one degree Celsius can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%. And you probably won’t even notice the difference in temperature.

Additionally, use a timer or smart thermostat to ensure the heating is only on when you are at home, and only heating the rooms you are actively using.

Hot Water Habits

Heating water for showers, baths, and dishwashing is also expensive. What can you do?

For example, shortening your daily shower by just one minute saves hot water and the energy needed to heat it.

Moreover, if you have a hot water tank, check its insulation. If the existing insulation is thin, wrap it with a thicker insulating jacket. A well-insulated tank can reduce heat loss by half, keeping the water warm for longer without running the boiler.

For more information on how construction and design contribute to energy efficiency and sustainable living in the future, check out this article: „What is zero-energy architecture?”

Reduce Your Energy Bills!

Implementing these three easy energy bill hacks requires only a few minutes of change in your daily routine, yet the cumulative effect on your utility bills can be substantial. The beauty of these hacks is that they don’t involve chasing the cheapest tariff or installing complex technology – they are about smarter consumption.

Ready for more? Check the other articles at Buildernews!