Advice has been issued on how to avoid skyrocketing bills in every room of the house this winter – and the kettle could make the difference. With the new £1,771 energy price cap from Ofgem, households across the nation could see a minimum increase of around £12 a month – £144 – added to their bills.
Energy expert James Elston from EcoHappy has shared his top tips for keeping costs down as the cold weather approaches. In the kitchen, he suggests maximising dishwasher use and minimising kettle use.
He stated: “Kettles are one of the most commonly used appliances, but overfilling them can waste a lot of energy. By only boiling the amount of water you need, you could save around £11 a year on your electricity bill.”
He also noted: “A full dishwasher uses less water and electricity per item than washing by hand.”
“Reducing your dishwasher use by just one run per week could save you around £13 annually,” he added. Elston also suggested that keeping curtains closed throughout the day can help conserve heat, reports Birmingham Live.
He advised: “Close your curtains when you leave the house in the morning.
“This helps to reduce heat loss and makes your room feel cosier. Just be sure the curtains don’t block any radiators, as this could trap heat where it’s not needed.”
Another key tip is to turn off electrics from standby mode.
James highlighted some savvy energy-saving tips, remarking: “You could save around £55 a year just by switching these off when not in use.”
He also advised on heating efficiency: “Gas central heating is generally more cost-effective. If you need to heat a specific room, adjust the radiator valve in that room rather than using an electric heater.”
For those looking to cut costs on lighting, James suggested: “Switching off lights when they’re not needed can save around £20 a year”. He warned about insulation issues too, saying: “If your home lacks proper insulation, you could be losing up to a quarter of your heat through the roof.”
In terms of laundry habits, James recommended: “A 30-degree cycle can save around £27 a year compared to higher temperature settings,” highlighting the benefits of cooler wash cycles for white goods in utility rooms.
