Ofgem energy advice shares simple household energy efficiency tips to lower energy bills
In a social media post, Ofgem urged consumers to take action at home(Image: Hispanolistic via Getty Images)
Households are being given a straightforward checklist of methods to reduce their energy bills – with regulator Ofgem outlining practical measures that could save families hundreds of pounds annually.
In a social media post, Ofgem urged consumers to take action at home, saying there are “10 energy saving tips” that you can do around your house to reduce your energy usage and in turn reduce your energy bills. Here is how they can make a real difference to household costs.
Get a smart meter fitted
Smart meters enable people to track energy consumption and benefit from new initiatives offering discounted or free electricity during off-peak periods, such as weekends.
Install or add to insulation
Millions of households are wasting money by heating warm air that escapes through the loft. Adding insulation to hot water cylinders and pipework helps retain warmth for longer, cutting the energy required to keep water hot.
Install draught excluders around doors and windows
Sealing gaps around doors and windows prevents heat escaping, meaning your heating system doesn’t have to work as intensively. This can deliver some of the most substantial savings.
Avoid the tumble dryer
Tumble dryers are amongst the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. Air-drying clothes wherever possible can save approximately £50 annually.
Switch appliances off standby
Leaving televisions, gaming consoles and gadgets on standby quietly accumulates costs. Turning them off properly can save around £45 per year for a typical household.
Lower your thermostat
Reducing your heating by just one degree can yield substantial savings without compromising comfort. Experts generally recommend homes should be maintained between 18C and 21C – anything above this is often unnecessary and expensive.
Switch off the lights
Simply reminding family members to turn off lights when leaving a room will help reduce bills.
Don’t overfill your kettle for a brew
Overfilling the kettle wastes electricity each time you make a drink. Boiling only the water you require is a straightforward but effective solution.
Choose showers over baths
A bath consumes far more hot water than a brief shower. Even replacing just one bath a week can reduce annual energy costs.
Lengthy, hot showers are a significant energy drain due to the hot water needed. Cutting showers to approximately four minutes can save dozens of pounds annually.
Load your dishwasher fully before running it
Dishwashers and washing machines are more economical to operate when full. Using eco settings and avoiding half-loads reduces both energy and water consumption.
Why it’s important
Energy bills remain heavily influenced by household gas and electricity consumption – not just the price cap established by regulators.
Analysis indicates simple behavioural adjustments like these can accumulate to savings exceeding £300 annually in a typical household.
Ofgem’s message is unambiguous: while wholesale prices and the price cap dominate headlines, the fastest way to reduce bills remains within your own home.
