British Energy Bills Soar – Time to Fix Your Habits
Inflation is at a Six‑Month High, and Your Wallet Might Be Feeling the Heat
Energy costs have shot up, pushing UK inflation past the 6‑month mark. Despite official rates dropping compared to last year, 70% of people feel they’re paying too much for their electricity and gas.
Expert Tips from Quotezone: Cut the Waste, Cut the Bill
Energy guru Greg Wilson at Quotezone.co.uk says that if you just stop those little “bad habits,” you could save up to £231.95 a year.
He explains:
“Homeowners aren’t kidding – the typical energy bill is set to jump £21 this January. With prices staying high, every slash counts. Prudent steps—like using cheaper burners, filling your kettle only when you really need it, and keeping curtains closed at night—can make all the difference.”
Quick Fixes to Keep Your Bills From Growing:
- Don’t over‑fill your kettle: an extra pot of water is only a waste of steam.
- Dishwasher etiquette: run it only when it’s full; that’s half the efficiency.
- Use “economy” settings: modern kitchens come with a light switch—turn it on.
- Keep curtains shut: a simple trick that keeps heat where it belongs.
- Switch to energy‑saving LED bulbs: throw out the incandescent nightmare.
- Schedule heating correctly:: keep it off during the night when you’re away.
Bottom Line: Cool Weather, Warm Homes, Sweet Savings
With temperatures dropping across the country, some families have started shying away from turning on the furnace because their budget is tight. But that short‑term dodging is actually adding to the long‑term bill. By trimming those little habits, you not only keep more cash in your pocket but also align your home with a greener future.
Here are ways to cut back on energy:
1.Use cheaper kitchen appliances – save £58 per year
Why Your Slow Cooker Is the Ultimate Money‑Saving Hero
Think of your kitchen as a battleground where the stakes are your monthly bill. The victors? Energy‑efficient gadgets that keep your pockets happy and your plate full.
Slow Cookers – Low‑Power, High‑Flavor Marketers
- Calories: 5 p per hour of operation.
- Flavor: Take your time, and let the magic simmer.
- Cost: Six glorious hours of slow‑cooking costs just 29 p per meal.
Ovens – Fast, but High‑Cost Fire‑Breathers
- Warm‑up drag: 45 minutes before cooking even begins.
- Power: 60 p per hour; a single use equals 45 p per dish.
- Flavor: Quick, but often missing that deep, soul‑warming taste.
Air Fryers – A Quick‑Strike Alternative
- Efficiency: Roughly 42 p per hour, faster than a slow cooker but gentler than a full oven.
- Convenience: Who doesn’t love a crispy bite in half the time?
Over the course of a year, switching to a slow cooker could slash your energy bill by almost £60. That’s money you can tuck into your savings, splurge on a Netflix binge, or fund a spontaneous weekend getaway.
Bottom Line — Cook Slowly, Save Big
Next time you’re staring at the boiling pot or the blazing oven, remember: the slow cooker is the quiet, budget‑friendly champion that turns ordinary recipes into extraordinary savings.
2.Only use your dishwasher when necessary – save £84.24 a year
Your Dishwasher: The Silent, Money‑Sucking Giant
Every time you hit that green button, your dishwasher goes into super‑slow‑motion mode and gorges on gas and water like a never‑ending spa day for silverware.
Pricey Power‑Binge
This little beast can shell out up to £0.54 per cycle (yes, that’s about 54p), taking energy and water in equal parts like a villain with a sweet tooth.
Are You Leaving It Running on an Empty Tank?
- Running it daily but not filling it fully is basically giving your wallet a full‑blown hunger pang.
- Instead, try cranking it four times a week. That small tweak saves you roughly £1.62 every week.
- Over a year, that adds up to a neat £84.24. Think of it as a “money‑back” guarantee from your own kitchen.
Why It Matters
Reducing those extra run‑aways isn’t just good for your finances; it’s also a win for your green lifestyle. Every less‑used cycle means less pollution and less drained appliances—your dishwasher gets a chance to rest.
Quick Fix Checklist
- Fill it up! Before each run, make sure you’re loading plates, cups, and a few baking sheets.
- Choose the right cycle. Use “eco” or “light” for less load, and avoid “heavy” unless you really have a pile of dirty pots.
<liUse rinse aids. They help cut the water usage boost.
So next time you think of the dishwasher as a selfish appliance, just remember — every decent load is a blessing. Keep it full, keep it smart, and watch your savings flood in like a happy splash of clean water!
3.Stop overfilling your kettle – save £10 a year
Tea Time Treasure: That Tiny Kettle That’s Ruining Your Budget
We’ve all got that trusty kettle lurking in our kitchen, flipping the switch with the giddy anticipation of a steaming mug. But guess what? That little appliance can be a sneaky energy‑budget bandit.
Why the Kettle Loves to Drum Up Bills
- Big splash, big spend: When you pour more water than you actually need, you’re basically giving the electricity company a freebie.
- Every Arc‑second counts: Heating extra water means the kettle stays on for longer, and the longer it’s on, the more electricity it gobbles.
- That yearly hit: You’re looking at an extra £10 per annum just because of those over‑filled jugs.
The Simple Trick That Saves Coins
Here’s the low‑down: measure before you pour. If you’re planning a single cup of tea, no need to fill the kettle tank to the top. Think of it like a “mini‑steam” – just enough to keep that kettle happy without turning it into a money‑thief.
Pro Tips for the Cost‑Conscious
- Use a measuring cup – no more “I might take a bit more” surprises.
- Keep the kettle on a low‑set thermostat if your model allows.
- Pop it a bit further away from the wall outlet; less heat loss = less frustration.
All in all, you can keep your kettle happy and your bank account fuller with a tiny splash of planning. Cheers to smarter, cheaper tea time!
4.Stop leaving appliances on standby – save £79.71 per year
How Much Is Your Standby Habit REALLY Costing?
Picture this: you’re sipping tea, the lights are off, and you’re happily scrolling through YouTube on your phone. Meanwhile, that big screen TV, your gaming console and that sleek laptop have been quietly draining your electricity bill, personifying the famous “ghost energy” myth. Guess what? They’re silently eating up almost £80 a year of your hard‑earned cash.
The Rascals on Standby
Who’s the big culprit? Think of the gadgets that are always “just a touch away.”
- TVs: The big‑screen binge‑watchers that never really shut off.
- Gaming Consoles: Those little power‑hungry beasts that stay in “sleep” mode.
- Desktops & Laptops: Great for work, terrible for the grid.
- Smart Speakers: A voice that keeps listening even when you’re sleeping.
Other Energy‑Sucking Sidekicks
It’s not just screens; the household sidekicks also gulp electricity when dormant.
- Washing Machines
- Tumble Dryers
- Coffee Makers
- And, of course, those smart home devices that think “I’ll wait for the next command.”
What You Can Do (and Why It’s Worth It)
Plug them out once you’ve finished using them. A little effort, a big payday. Save up to £80 a year – no big accountant needed.
5.Stop leaving curtains open after dark
Save Your Wallet, Not Your Comfort
Ever notice how the evenings after sunset feel like a chill attack on the house? If you’re leaving blinds and curtains open all night, you might be quietly letting the heat escape—and keeping your energy bill high.
The Nitty‑Gritty of Closing Curtains
- Keep the Heat Where It Belongs – When the sun drops, close all windows. This simple act stops warm air from sneaking out through cold glass.
- Less Heat, More Savings – With less heat escaping, your heating system can chill out a bit, cutting the energy needed to warm the house during those coldest hours.
- Thick Curtains Are Your New Best Friend – Investing in good‑quality, heavy curtains adds an extra layer of insulation. It’s like giving your home a cozy blanket that keeps the temperature stable.
Putting It Into Action
- Turn off the blinds at sunset.
- Check that all curtains are snug against the windows.
- Consider upgrading to thick, insulating drapes for the biggest impact.
Ready to feel the difference? Open the curtains in the morning, close them by night, and watch those bills shrink.
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