When it comes to saving energy, sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from experts – it comes from people just like you. We asked our users how they’re cutting costs and conserving power at home, and the results were brilliant: real, practical tips that make a real difference.
From small daily changes to clever investments, here’s what our community had to say.
Be Careful with Usage
The golden rule? Only use what you need. Our users shared countless ways to keep energy use under control:
1. Switch off everything before bed.
2. Don’t leave appliances idle – turn them off completely.
3. Only heat a few rooms at a time, and keep radiators off in unused spaces.
4. Use timers so nothing gets left on by mistake.
5. Air-dry clothes whenever possible, saving the tumble dryer for essentials.
6. Wash clothes at lower temperatures—and for longer cycles, they’re often more efficient.
7. Turn the heating on only when needed and adjust timers as the weather warms.
8. Try low-level ambient lighting or even candles for a cosy, energy-efficient glow.
9. Lower your boiler and thermostat settings to between 18°C and 20°C.
10. Run washing machines and dryers on off-peak times with full loads.
11. Take quicker showers.
12. Use small motion-sensor rechargeable lights at night.
13. Turn your thermostat down by 1°C – it really does make a difference.
14. Stagger your heating to come on before you arrive home and turn off as you leave.
15. Avoid letting your house get too cold – it can take more energy to warm it back up.
16. Use the dishwasher sparingly – twice a week is enough for some households.
17. Always wash full loads and use a high spin to cut drying time.
Energy-Saving Additions & Swaps
Some users have gone the extra mile with energy-efficient upgrades:
18. Install solar panels – they’re a worthwhile long-term investment.
19. Replace bulbs with LEDs – they last longer and use less energy.
20. Close heavy curtains early in the evening to keep warmth in.
21. Use a wood-burning stove for efficient, cosy heat.
22. Choose energy-efficient household appliances.
23. Try a dehumidifier instead of the tumble dryer.
24. Use an air fryer or microwave instead of the oven.
25. Cook joints in a slow cooker and quick meals in an air fryer.
Heating the Person, Not the Home
Sometimes the best way to stay warm is to heat yourself, not the whole house. This is especially important if you live alone or your family typically spend time in one room at a time.
26. Wear an extra layer – think extra socks, hoodies, oodies, a thermal top etc.
27. Keep a lap blanket handy.
28. Use hot water bottles and warm, lined clothing.
29. Snuggle under a fluffy blanket.
30. Try an electric throw while watching TV so you can keep the thermostat lower.
Don’t Lose Energy (or Heat)
A little prevention goes a long way in keeping warmth where you want it:
31. Check windows and doors are properly sealed.
32. Keep internal doors closed.
33. Reuse hot water from the boiler rather than heating more electrically.
34. Block draughts – small gaps make a big difference.
35. Insulate wherever possible.
Kitchen Wisdom
The kitchen is full of opportunities to cut back on energy use:
36. Only fill kettles and pots as much as needed.
37. Use the small oven instead of the main one for smaller meals.
38. Brew a pot of coffee and keep it in a thermos.
39. Batch cook meals and switch appliances off afterwards.
40. Turn off the oven rings a few minutes early – residual heat finishes the job.
41. Make one-pot meals to save on cooking time and energy.
42. After cooking, leave the oven door ajar to warm the kitchen naturally.
Checking Deals
It’s not just how you use energy—it’s what you pay for it.
43. Shop around and don’t hesitate to switch providers.
44. Compare energy rates regularly.
45. Consider a night tariff if you use power off-peak.
46. Stay informed about energy deals.
47. Check comparison sites before your contract ends.
Miscellaneous but Mighty
And finally, a few more clever (and sometimes cheeky!) community favourites:
48. Open windows briefly each morning to let moisture escape.
49. Visit friends or community cafés to save on heating (and enjoy company).
50. Place aluminium foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
51. Don’t let kids control the heating!
52. Go to bed early and stay cosy.
53. Buy firewood in summer when it’s cheaper.
54. Keep humidity low and ventilate regularly.
55. Balance radiators for even heat.
56. Defrost your freezer regularly – a frosty freezer works harder and uses more energy.
57. And our favourite: Keep your husband at work if he can’t stop leaving the lights on!
Final Thoughts
These aren’t just tips – they’re real habits that make a real difference. Every small change adds up, and together they help create warmer homes, smaller bills, and a lighter footprint on the planet.
So take a leaf out of our users’ books: stay smart, stay warm, and keep saving energy wherever you can.
