Cutting costs at home

Alongside support and funding to help you pay your utility and fuel bills, there are some steps you can take to cut costs in the home.

Below are a few tips to save you money on your energy and water bills and how you travel.

Cutting down on food waste, and using leftovers is also a great way to save money on your food bills. For tips on storing your food better, recipes for using up food and more, visit Love Food Hate Waste. 

Ways to save energy:

• Cook with lids on:

When boiling water or cooking, keep pan lids on to retain the heat and cook things faster. Also try boiling water in a kettle before adding to a pan to save energy rather than boiling cold water. 

• Use your microwave where appropriate:

Microwaves are generally more energy efficient than ovens, so using these for cooking food, where appropriate, is a good option to help you save energy.

• Only boil what you need: 

Measure out your water for a cuppa, or use the gauge on the side of your kettle so no unnecessary water is boiled.

• Don’t block radiators:

Try to position furniture away from radiators so heat can circulate through the room.

• Wear layers:

Wearing jumpers inside to keep warm may help you to lower your thermostat temperature, save money and keep warm.

• Block out draughts:

Even simple draught excluders placed at bottom of doors can prevent cold air entering your home. 

Find out more

• Switching off appliances: 

It does make a difference. When not using lights and other appliances, ensure they are switched off to save electricity.

• Unplug your chargers:

Chargers plugged in and switched on will waste energy even if your device has finished charging. Switch them off when charging is complete.

• Run appliances on full loads:

Dishwashers and washing machines should be run on full loads to save energy and water. Cutting one dishwasher use a week could save £14 annually, along with £10 annually for cutting one washing machine use.

• Wash your clothes at 30 degrees:

Only wash at 40 or higher for tough stains or very dirty items. Washing at 30 degrees could save you £28 per year.

• Air dry when appropriate: 

If it’s dry and windy, hang clothes outside to save energy on the tumble dryer, or on a clothes airer inside your home.