It has been a cold winter and with the cost of living rising, it has had us all looking for tips and tricks to help us save energy and cut the cost of our bills. As busy parents we don’t always have time to review all our bills regularly and complete major projects which reduce energy usage. However, Energy Saving Week is the perfect opportunity to take a look at the quick wins where we can save money by using less energy in our homes.
Washing clothes at 30°C or lower
Washing clothes on an Eco setting at 30°C or lower is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption at home. Lower temperature washes use significantly less electricity compared to higher temperature settings, as the majority of energy in a washing cycle is used to heat water. According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing at 30°C instead of 40°C can save households in England up to 40% on energy usage per load. Over the course of a year, this simple change could save over £20 on energy bills, depending on the frequency of washing. This practice not only reduces costs but also extends the lifespan of clothes, making it a win for both your wallet and the environment. Find out how to cut your family laundry costs by £156 this year with tips by Which.
Use less water when bathing your baby
A BabyDam bathwater barrier is a simple yet effective tool that helps parents save both energy and money by reducing water usage during bath time. Designed to partition a standard family bathtub, it creates a smaller area that requires significantly less water to fill, making it ideal for bathing babies or toddlers. By using a BabyDam, parents can cut water consumption for each bath by up to 50%, which also reduces the energy needed to heat the water. According to UK estimates, this can save households up to ££s per year on water and energy bills, while also conserving thousands of litres of water annually. In addition to the financial benefits, using a BabyDam is a practical step toward more sustainable household practices, perfect for environmentally conscious families.
Turn lights and switches off, unplug items which aren’t in use
Turning off lights and switches and unplugging items that aren’t in use is a straightforward way for young families to save energy and reduce their utility bills. Many appliances and chargers continue to draw power even when they’re not actively being used—this is known as standby or phantom power. According to the Energy Saving Trust, unplugging unused devices and switching off appliances at the plug can save an average household around £65 annually. Additionally, encouraging habits like turning off lights when leaving a room can save an extra £25 a year. These small, conscious changes add up over time, helping you manage you energy costs more effectively while teaching children the importance of conserving resources.
Quick showers
Not much time for a shower? Don’t worry—shorter showers are not only convenient but also an excellent way to save energy and money. Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save a family on your energy bills. This is because less water is heated and used, which means lower energy consumption overall. Several organisations advocate for four-minute showers to conserve water and energy. For instance, Smart Energy GB suggests aiming for a four-minute shower running time to reduce energy consumption. Similarly, Northumbrian Water provides a three-step routine to help individuals achieve an efficient four-minute shower. Additionally, The Guardian highlights the four-minute shower as a recommended duration for to save money and water.
Thermostat down by 1°
Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can lead to significant energy and cost savings without noticeably affecting comfort. According to the Martin Lewis website British Gas states that by turning the thermostat down by just 1° could see you saving £90 a year on average in a typical home. Heating accounts for a substantial portion of energy use in most homes, so even small adjustments can make a big difference. This simple action not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint, helping to create a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home.
Most adults will have their thermostat set to 20°, The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends UK households should have a room temperature in winter of around 18°C for adults and slightly warner for families with young children.
Energy Saving Week serves as an important reminder for us to make a conscious effort to reduce our energy consumption habits which will ultimately save us money. By doing these quick wins, you will not only contribute to a greener future but also set a positive example for your little ones.
