Saving Energy

How much energy does the average household use?

The average home with four people now uses around 13 electronic devices (including TVs, laptops, tablets, etc.). That’s a major difference compared with 1990 when just four appliances were typically used.

Despite owning more appliances, we still use roughly the same amount of energy as we did two decades ago, meaning our gadgets have become more energy-efficient over time. But, there’s still a lot you can do to reduce energy consumption – and save money.

What temperature should rooms be in winter? Ideally, you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease.

Energy Projects Plus

We work closely with Energy Projects Plus on delivering projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

How to Save Money in Your Home

    • Save £28 a year by cutting back on washing machine and dishwasher use by one cycle a week, and only filling the kettle with the water you need.

    • If everyone in a four-person household with a water meter cut their shower time by one minute, you could save £50 a year.

    • Switching to a water-efficient showerhead could save a four-person household with a water meter around £80 a year on gas and water bills.

    • Turn your appliances off instead of leaving them on standby – you could save £40 a year, and you’ll be saving energy too.

    • Replacing all your bulbs with LEDs would cost the average household around £145, but you’ll save £35 a year on your bills.

    • Turning lights off when you’re not using them, even just for a few seconds, could save you £14 a year on your bills. It all adds up.

    • Feeling a chill? Unless your home is very new, you’ll lose some heat through draughts. Draught-proofing could save you £30 a year on your bills and your home will feel warmer.

    • Don’t let heat escape through your chimney – installing a chimney draught excluder could save you around £20 a year on your bills and make your home feel more comfortable.

    • More than half of the money spent on fuel bills goes on heating and hot water. Try turning your room thermostat down by just one degree – you could save around £65 a year.

    • Installing and using a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves could save you around £85 a year.

The Help Through Hardship Helpline is a free phone service delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice. Their friendly advisers have already helped thousands of people who are worried about money and are here to help you access the support you need.