With rising inflation and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we’re all feeling the pinch and looking at ways we can save money.

With typical energy bills almost doubling since this time last year, we all need to look for the best ways to reduce our energy usage and save money so here are some simple steps you can take at home. Let’s face it, we all need to do what we can. Whilst installing cavity wall insulation or other such home improvements can be expensive, here we’re looking at some things you can do at home that are quick and easy and don’t cost a lot of money.

Turn down your thermostat:

Turning down your central heating thermostat by just 1 degree C could save you up to £100 a year according to energy experts.

And get your boiler serviced – look after it and it will look after you. A boiler that isn’t maintained will become less efficient and so getting your boiler serviced regularly is a good move.

Turn down radiators too:

According to the Government’s Help for Households website, turning down radiators in the rooms you don’t use could save you up to £70 a year. When a room is not is use, turn radiator valves down to between 2.5 and 3, and increase again when the room is back in use. That way, by not turning radiators off completely, your boiler won’t have to work as hard to increase the temperature again. And don’t forget to close internal doors to keep the heat in the rooms you use.

Unplug appliances:

We’ve all probably been guilty of leaving our phone charger plugged in and switched on even when our phones are fully charged. Almost all electrical appliances will draw power continuously unless they are unplugged, so remember to turn power off at the socket, or unplug them completely when your phone, your TV or your computer is not in use.

Be savvy with your laundry:

Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are some of the highest home energy consuming appliances. Another big way of saving money is by washing your clothes on a 30 degree C cycle rather than at 40 degrees C or higher. This in itself could save an average of £40 a year, but combine that with reducing the use of your tumble dryer, and it could add up to a saving of £110 a year. Tumble dryers are one of the most-energy intensive devices in our homes.

Close windows and blinds:

If you want to keep your heating oil costs down, curtains are the way to go as even double glazed windows aren’t great insulators. Warm air escapes through windows, so keep your heat in by closing your curtains and blinds at dusk, especially if your radiators are situated below your windows. And if you’re thinking of buying new curtains, choose thick or thermally lined ones.

According to Country Living, the Office for National Statistics conducted a survey which found that only around half of UK households say they have closed all their curtains at night to keep heat in.  Your curtains will provide an extra barrier against heat loss and reduce draughts, making your rooms feel cosier.

Don’t overfill the kettle:

How many times have you filled the kettle to make just one cup of tea? Most of us will admit to occasionally doing this and boiling more water than we actually need. Kettles are one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, so avoid overfilling your kettle and just fill with enough for what you need.

We hope you find these tips helpful but for more warm home hacks, download the Energy Saving Trusts guide which has loads of information on what’s happening with energy bills, tips on how to keep the heat in and make the best of your boiler, and much more.