10 Common Mistakes Adding Hundreds to Your Energy Bills

10 Common Mistakes Adding Hundreds to Your Energy Bills

Energy bills can quickly add up, especially when making small mistakes that impact your home’s efficiency. Here’s a list of the 10 most common mistakes you might be making, and how to fix them to start saving money right away!

1. Neglecting Draughts

Annual cost increase: £40

Draughts are one of the most affordable and easy fixes to make in your home. Start by sealing up gaps in your windows with foam strips or covering keyholes with metal covers. Don't forget your letterbox – a brush cover or a draught excluder for your door can make a big difference.

For unused fireplaces, draught excluders can stop cold air from sneaking in. Remember to keep moisture-producing areas like your kitchen or bathroom well-ventilated and avoid blocking vents, as proper airflow is still crucial.

2. Setting Your Thermostat Too High

Annual cost increase: £90

A thermostat set too high won’t heat your home any faster, but it will make your space uncomfortably hot and waste energy. Lower your thermostat by just one degree, from 22°C to 21°C, and you could save around £90 annually.

Want to save even more? Lowering it further to 18°C could cut your bill by £260 a year.

3. Running Your Boiler at Too High a Temperature

Annual cost increase: £30

If you have a gas boiler, it’s important to set the right flow temperature for your radiators. A lower flow temperature can help your boiler run more efficiently. For conventional boilers with a hot water cylinder, the flow temperature should remain at 65°C or higher to prevent bacteria growth.

4. Not Insulating Pipes and Hot Water Tank

Annual cost increase: £45

Insulating your pipes can help prevent freezing during colder months, while insulating your hot water tank can help retain heat, saving energy. You can add a tank jacket for £40 savings a year and insulate exposed pipes for another £5.

5. Washing Clothes at Too High a Temperature

Annual cost increase: £12

Modern washing detergents work just as well at lower temperatures. Switch from 40°C to 30°C washes, and you could save £12 annually. Not to mention, it’s gentler on your clothes too!

6. Leaving Appliances on Standby

Annual cost increase: £45

Leaving appliances on standby might seem harmless, but over time, it adds up. Leaving things like your TV or phone charger plugged in overnight can cost you an extra £45 per year. Unplugging or using a power strip can reduce your energy usage significantly.

7. Leaving Curtains Open

Annual cost increase: £20

Not closing your curtains at night can let warm air escape, costing you more in heating. Closing them properly traps warmth and prevents draughts, saving you over £20 annually and reducing carbon emissions.

If your radiator sits under a window, avoid covering it with curtains while the heating’s on to ensure the heat is distributed efficiently.

8. Using Old Halogen Light Bulbs

Annual cost increase: £40

Halogen bulbs are not energy efficient – they use more energy for less light. Replace them with LED bulbs and save up to £40 annually. Energy-efficient lighting accounts for a significant portion of your home’s electricity usage, so switching to LEDs can make a big impact.

9. Overlooking Energy Ratings When Buying New Appliances

Annual cost increase: Up to £65

When buying new appliances, always check the energy label. Switching to more energy-efficient models can save you hundreds of pounds in the long run. For example, upgrading from an E-rated freezer to a D-rated one could save you £30 annually, while a B-rated tumble dryer can cost £65 more per year compared to an A+++ model.

10. Not Having a Smart Meter

Annual cost increase: Around £40

While a smart meter itself doesn’t save energy, it allows you to monitor your consumption in real-time. By tracking your energy usage, you’ll be more aware of which appliances are using the most energy and be more mindful about reducing usage. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that having a smart meter could save you up to £40 annually.

How Can You Save More money?

While these simple fixes can save you a significant amount of money, there are also long-term energy-saving measures you can take. In addition to improving your home’s energy efficiency, consider checking for better energy deals or switching suppliers.