How to use less energy and save money on your household bills

As we head towards winter and temperatures dip, energy prices are still a concern for many. But there are ways to help you stay in control of your spend – from the latest energy-saving appliances that will ultimately pay for themselves, to ideas to help you make savings.

As well as being a chore few of us enjoy, doing lots of laundry can send energy bills soaring. Wrapping up in layers (along with the inevitable muddy puddles autumn and winter bring) can lead to ever-increasing piles to be cleaned, so it may be worth investing in a washing machine with a large drum to cut down on loads.

Newer models can also get laundry clean at lower temperatures, and it’s worth bearing in mind that three washes at 30 degrees use the same energy as two at 40 degrees.

One big change in energy consumption happens when wet and cold weather means line drying simply isn’t an option. If it’s possible to partially dry items on an airer before using a heat source, this can dramatically lessen the energy you’re using.

But a major design development in the world of tumble dryers can also help: models with heat pump technology reheat the air already in the drum, meaning less electricity is used than in condenser or vented models.

Heated airers can also be a cheaper alternative to tumble dryers, with an average cost of 7p per hour to run.

Hearty meals and endless warming drinks can lead to a busier dishwasher, so ensure you have one that’s big enough to avoid needing multiple loads. A model with an eco cycle can also have a big impact on both energy and water consumption.

Heating households is, for many people, one of the heftiest costs through the colder months, but there are ways to make savings. Bleed radiators to make sure they’re as efficient as possible, and see if you can reduce your boiler flow temperature.

Turning a combi boiler flow temperature down to 60 degrees could save up to £100 a year, but it isn’t the same as turning down your thermostat, and shouldn’t affect how the temperature feels in your home. If you’re over 65 or have a health condition, it’s recommended to set the flow temperature slightly higher, at 65 degrees.

When it comes to setting the thermostat, lowering the temperature by one degree could save an average home around £145 per year.

The World Health Organisation says that 18 degrees is a sufficient temperature for healthy adults, yet many have their thermostat set in the 20s, so try reducing it slightly and seeing what’s comfortable in your household.

Colder days make us yearn for warming comfort food, so make sure you’re cooking in the most energy-efficient way. Again, newer appliances can make a big difference to energy consumption, but there are other options too.

Energy-friendly slow cookers are perfect for winter, allowing you to have hearty hot meals using comparatively little electricity. Also, airfryers use unique technologies to reduce the energy costs when you’re preparing smaller meals.

When you’re choosing a new appliance it makes sense to compare how much it will cost to run as well as to buy. More expensive models tend to have better technology that will mean lower running costs, and greater savings on your bills. Currys uses the independent Youreko tool which helps you identify the appliances that can offer you the most savings over a product’s lifetime. Youreko works by calculating the cost of energy that the appliance will consume throughout its lifetime, and it then compares it with the least efficient product in the market, classifying products from worst to best when it comes to energy saving.

With fridge freezers, the older the appliance, the less energy-efficient it tends to be.

Many new models have state-of-the-art technology to keep food fresher for longer (great for reducing waste and saving money), and opting for a model that’s frost-free means the appliance will retain its efficiency, again saving energy. It makes good sense to invest in such a model, as a freezer with ice build-up is losing efficiency and therefore costing more to run.

Turning appliances off at the wall when they’re not in use is a quick and easy way to reduce bills at a time of the year when we’re all conscious of our increasing energy consumption. Many appliances – such as TVs, games consoles and computers – keep drawing electricity from the socket even when they’re turned off, so unplug or switch off at the socket and it could save you up to £70 per year.

If you’re in store, you can count on the Currys Tech Experts to offer you lots of advice to help you save money. Not only specially trained to answer your most taxing questions, the team also strive to go above and beyond to give you the knowledge you need to choose the best products to suit you.

More than 33 million homes and small businesses now have smart meters installed and, simply put, they allow you to take greater control of the energy you’re using by showing you the cost of different appliances in real-time. They also allow you to track your total bill, meaning no nasty surprises when you submit a meter reading – especially important during the winter, when energy consumption tends to spike.

We can’t always prepare for the unexpected, so Currys offers a handy buy now, pay nothing for up to 12 months plan (on selected models; offer available until 31/10/2023**). This payment credit option allows you to spread the cost of your new appliance.

Find more bill-busting tech available in store or online at currys.co.uk

*Compared to the least efficient model on the market. Save claim based on Youreko calculations. For more details check currys.co.uk. SKU: 557804.

**If you pay the full credit amount by the end of your Buy Now Pay Later period, interest will not be incurred on your purchase. Any balance left to pay at the end of your Buy Now Pay Later period will incur interest from the date of your purchase. Credit is subject to status. Minimum spend applies. Exclusions apply. Your personalised APR will be determined by Creation Consumer Finance Ltd and will depend on your individual circumstances. Currys Group Limited is a credit broker and not a lender, introducing the Your Plan credit account under exclusive arrangements with the lender Creation Consumer Finance Ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.