With the cost of living still putting pressure on household budgets, we know how important spending and saving are for many households.
 

The good news is you do not need to make big or expensive changes to start saving.

As well as quick wins you can try today, we’ll also point you to extra help if you need it, including free advice and support with energy costs. 

1. Switch to LED bulbs to save electricity on lighting

→ Why LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy

LED bulbs use less power to give the same level of brightness as older bulbs.

They turn most of their energy into light, instead of heat, whilst older bulbs waste energy by getting hot.

Making the switch means you can light your home properly, whilst using far less electricity.

LED bulbs last much longer than standard bulbs, in most cases for many years. This means you do not need to replace them as often, saving you cash on buying new bulbs. 

2. Turn appliances off at the plug to stop wasting energy

→ What standby mode really costs you

Many appliances still use electricity, even if they are on standby.

Things like TVs and microwaves use small amounts of power even when they’re not in use, meaning you’re paying for power you’re not using.  

Research shared by GoCompare found that these “vampire” appliances can cost households up to £80 a year. 

→ The easiest way to switch off multiple devices at once

A simple way to prevent standby waste is to use an extension lead.

You can plug in your TV and other devices, then turn them all off with one switch. 

Top tip: make sure not to plug in too many appliances into your extension leads. 

3. Use less energy when cooking at home 

→ Boil the kettle first instead of heating cold water on the hob

When cooking things such as pasta or rice, boiling water in an electric kettle is usually quicker and uses less energy than heating cold water in a pan on the hob.  

This small change means your hob is on for less time and uses less electricity or gas. 

 
4. Make your heating work better, not harder

→ Move furniture away from radiators to let heat circulate

If large items like sofas, beds or curtains are in front of a radiator, they can trap the heat from getting out.

This stops warm air from moving around the room and makes the space feel colder than the temperature the heating is at.

5. Wash clothes at lower temperatures to cut energy use 

→ Why 30°C washes are usually enough

For most everyday clothes, you do not need a boiling wash to get them clean.

Persil states that a 30-degree cycle is warm enough to remove dirt, sweat and normal stains from items like tops and trousers, whilst saving 60% of energy. 

Over a year, this can make a noticeable difference to your electricity bill. For other items like towels and bedding, you can refer to Persil’s temperature washing guidelines.

6. Defrost your freezer to keep it energy efficient 

→ How ice makes your freezer use more electricity 

When thick ice builds up inside your freezer, it acts like a layer of insulation.

This makes it harder for the freezer to keep food cold, meaning the motor has to work for longer. 

The harder your freezer works, the more electricity it uses.

It's a good idea to defrost your freezer whenever the ice gets thicker than about a coin.

For many homes, this means doing it around once or twice a year. Currys provide a useful step-by-step guide here. 

7. Use smart meters and controls to manage your energy

→ Smart meters and energy use

A smart meter shows how much gas and electricity you are using in near real time. This makes it easier to spot which of your habits uses the most energy.  

By checking it each day, you can keep track of your spending and make small changes to stay within your budget. 

→ Set heating schedules with smart heating controls

Smart heating controls let you control when your heating comes on and off from devices such as your mobile phone.

You can set it to warm your home before you get up or return from work, then turn it down when you are out of the house or asleep.

→ Check if a water meter could lower your bills

A water meter charges you for the water you actually use, instead of a fixed estimate.

This can be cheaper if fewer people live in a larger property. It can also help you notice changes in your water use, like a dripping tap or hidden leak. 

8. Get help with your energy bills if you need it

→ Check and understand your energy bill

Reading your energy bill helps you see where your money is going and what you are being charged for.

Understanding each part can help you spot ways to reduce costs and notice if something does not look right. 

Most energy bills include:

• Your energy usage (kWh) – This shows how much gas or electricity you have used during the billing period. If this number goes up, it usually means you have used more energy. Watching this over time can help you see whether energy-saving changes are working.
  
  
• Your unit rate – This is the cost you pay for each unit of energy you use. This can vary depending on your tariff and supplier.
  
  
• Standing charge – This is a fixed daily cost you pay to stay connected to the energy network. This means you will still pay a small amount each day, even if you use very little energy.
  
  
• Your total cost – This is the full amount you need to pay for that billing period, including usage and standing charges. 

Our Lettings and New Tenancy Support Team are here to help if you need further explanation or support. Email newtenantsupport@communityhousing.co.uk. 

→ How the Warm Home Discount reduces your electricity bill

The Warm Home Discount is a scheme that takes £150 off your electricity bill.

The money is added straight to your account by your energy supplier.

Most people do not need to apply. If you are eligible, you should receive a letter telling you that the discount will be added to your bill.

If you have a prepayment meter, you will usually get a voucher or credit instead. 

→ Free, impartial support from Act On Energy 

If you are struggling with your energy costs, you can get free and independent advice.

Act On Energy can help with things like energy debt, grants for insulation, heating advice and access to hardship funds.

They will look at your situation and explain what support you may be able to get. This service is free to use. 

Our Lettings and New Tenancy Support Team are also on hand to help at any time.  

→ When to contact us about changes to your home

Some energy-saving changes, like installing smart heating controls, need your landlord’s approval first.

This is to make sure any work is safe and suitable for your home.

If you are thinking about making changes to your heating or other fixed fittings, contact our Customer Service Team before you arrange anything.