Genuine Ways to Save on Your Energy Bills
Most homeowners would like to trim their energy bills, but with such busy lives, it’s hard to know where to start, what’s outdated information and what is worth the extra effort. As your local electrical experts, we're here to shed some light on worthwhile energy-saving strategies and debunk a few myths along the way. Because In today's climate, both economically and environmentally, understanding where your household energy is going has never been more important.
Genuine Ways to Save on Your Energy Bills:
Let's start with an easy change that can genuinely impact your energy consumption and save you money in the long run:
Tackle Phantom Loads: Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they're switched off – this is known as a "phantom load" or "vampire power." Unplug chargers, TVs, and other electronics when they're not in use, or use a power strip with a switch to easily cut off the power supply to multiple devices at once.
Does This Really Make A Difference?
Yes, depending on the type of device and the age of it. Older appliances tend to be less energy efficient and those with clocks or remote controls are often the biggest culprits.
General Estimates: Studies suggest that phantom load can account for 5-10% or even up to 16% of a household's total electricity consumption. Some reports estimate that the average UK household could save around £30 to £95 per year simply by switching off appliances at the plug
Potential Savings Calculation (Example):
Let's assume you regularly leave the following on standby:
TV ( 5 watts), Games console (10 watts), Phone charger (2 watts), Microwave (3 watts) Total standby consumption: = 20 watts
Daily consumption: 20 watts * 24 hours = 480 watt-hours = 0.48 kWh
Yearly consumption: 0.48 kWh * 365 days = 175.2 kWh
Based on the current average UK electricity price of around 27.03 pence per kWh (as of April-June 2025), this would cost approximately:
175.2 kWh * £0.2703/kWh = £47.36 per year.
Therefore, by switching these few devices off at the plug when not in use, you could potentially save nearly £50 per year. If you have more devices with higher standby consumption, the savings could be even greater.
Further Tips and Tricks
- Charge for a few hours, not overnight. Leaving appliances plugged in all night is detrimental to the battery, continues to use energy once charged and unless you’re on a time of use tariff, night time charging isn’t any cheaper.
- Smart plugs – smart plugs allow you to control the power to devices remotely and also on a schedule. These can be useful if plug sockets are in hard to reach places and to reduce phantom loads.
- BBQ weather? Save electricity costs by cooking on the BBQ, batch cook if you can, use the air fryer or slow cooker, eat more salads. By not using the oven you’ll help to keep the house nice and cool. #CookOnceEatTwice
- Consider Appliance Efficiency - When it's time to replace appliances, look for energy-efficient models with high energy ratings. While the initial cost might be slightly higher, the long-term savings on your energy bills will often outweigh the difference.
- Consider Solar Panel Installation – you can generate your own electricity from sunlight and even sell excess electricity back to the grid. (Check for grants and incentives to help with costs)
- Improve Wiring and Add Outlets - outdated wiring can be inefficient, upgrading your wiring and adding more strategically placed outlets can reduce the need for extension cords and prevent overloading.
Next Steps
- Assess your current energy usage: Identify areas where you are using the most electricity.
- Consider the cost, potential savings, and impact of any changes you might make. Lighting and switching off appliances are a good place to start.
- Get professional advice: Consult with a qualified electrician in to discuss your options, we would be happy to hear from you at Contact Electrical. We can assess your current electrical system and recommend the most suitable upgrades.
Implementing these upgrades can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency, lower your bills, and support a more sustainable future.
Would you like us to cover some energy-saving tips and tricks specifically for your business? Let us know in the comments.