With more gadgets than ever before, its understandable to believe that the UK’s energy usage would be increasing but according to Statista, electricity consumption hit a record low in 2023. So why is this happening when millions of homes are brimming with TVs, laptops and mobile devices?
The answer lies in energy-efficient technology and smart choices at home. At SolarTherm UK, we’ve put together a list of seven practical ways you can lower your energy bills, from changing simple daily habits to long-term investments like solar power. These tips can make a real difference to your energy bills at a time when energy prices remain volatile and high.
Harness the Power of the Sun
Installing solar panels is one of the easiest ways to make drastic savings to your energy bills. Households with a correctly sized solar PV system save up to 70% off their electricity bill by reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity and generating their own. Over 1.5 million UK homes already have solar installed and it’s easy to see why. Solar power is the most affordable renewable energy source for UK homes, with prices dropping by around 82% since 2015.
Switch Off Appliances Completely
We are all guilty of leaving appliances and devices in stand-by mode, but even then they are still consuming energy and the small amounts still add up over the course of the year. Consider unplugging appliances when they are not in use, or invest in smart solutions like smart sockets, timers and lighting. Simple changes like these can make a noticeable difference to your bill.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are more than a convenient way to control your heating, they save money too. They learn your habits, preferences and only activate when needed. Whether you want to heat your home ready from when you return from work or manage your heating while away, a smart thermostat is able to give you full control on the move, helping you to avoid wasting energy.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
UK appliances are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). When replacing appliances, aim for higher rated options, although they may cost slightly more in the short-term, in the long-run they will save you money on your energy bills.
Block Draughts
Cold air sneaking into your home can make your heating system work harder than necessary, block draughts by installing draught excluders under doors, adding window linings and sealing any cracks or holes around your home. These small, simple steps can help keep your heat inside reducing the reliance on central heating.
Upgrade Your Roof Insulation
A poorly insulated roof or loft is a major source of heat loss. Sealing hidden nooks and cracks traps the heat inside your home, lowering your energy bills significantly.
Monitor Your Energy Usage
Keeping track of your electricity consumption is simple but effective, read your bills carefully, maintain a usage diary and look for patterns that could be costing you extra. Having a smart meter installed can also help you monitor your usage and find out what appliances cost you more to run and help you manage your energy usage more consistently. Awareness is the first step toward smart energy management.
Take the First Step of Saving Energy to Save on Your Bills
Reducing your energy bills doesn’t have to happen overnight, small changes like draught proofing and insulation can make significant savings to your energy bills. But the biggest change you can make is a long-term investment in solar – a solar PV system can save you more on your energy bills.
When you are ready to make a bigger impact, contact SolarTherm UK, we can help you with a free bespoke design package, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. Our performance and returns estimates are verified by EPVS, a third-party accreditation that ensures our estimates are attainable and accurate.
