45 tips for saving energy & money

Would you switch to save money on your energy bills?

Would you like save around £200 a year on your energy bill?

At our recent Twitter party, we asked you to share the ways you save energy as well as your stories about switching suppliers and the savings. We also asked how you might spend those great savings.

The #PowerToSwitch party was sponsored by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The #PowerToSwitch campaign encourages people switch suppliers and save money, via www.BeAnEnergyShopper.com, where you can choose from Ofgem’s approved comparison sites. With 27 energy companies on the market and some fixed deals £100 cheaper than they were a year ago, there’s never a better time to find a great deal, switch and save!

Energy-saving tips

All the little things add up to big savings…lights off when leave room, close doors, heating down plugs off 🙂 @vickyandmick

Use motion-detector lights for all your outdoor lighting – they’re convenient and efficient. @Peggle86

See if you can get free cavity wall insulation, it has definitely reduced our winter fuel bill. @Sue72

My power saving tip is a simple one. Shut internal doors! It can make such a difference. Also drink hot cups of tea @babybudgeting

Place a dry towel in tumble dryer with wet washing to half drying time! @kayleighfitz23

Energy saving light bulbs last 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and can save you around £50 over their lifetime @Peggle86

Don’t dry clothes on the radiators. It makes your boiler work harder than it needs to @Peggle86

If you have the time and patience please do switch off you electrical appliances rather than leaving them on standby. Makes a huge difference! @mummyandcuties

OH bought me a heated office chair for Christmas so I don’t have to put the heating on when I work @Caroljs

Save money by turning the thermostat down just 1 degree – you barely notice the difference but your purse will! @stage_my_house

Tuck curtains behind radiators to direct heat into room rather than losing heat out of the windows @sarelle777

If you must use your tumble dryer, use those ‘dryer balls’ in it! They really do reduce drying time! @madmazzy

Make sure you have loft insulation it’s amazing how much heat escapes through your roof! @madmazzy

One of my tips to save on the bills is to teach children to turn the lights off as they leave a room @smilinglikesuns

 

Tech-free energy saving tips

I love a thermal vest! @missielizzieb

Cuddle up with the kids @bertie1999

We use draught excluders for our doors to keep energy/warmth contained…mmm toasty! @Leanne_mk

I have 2 long haired cats who love to snuggle at night time – free feet warmers! @Peggle86

Put extra layers on before the heating goes on. @vickyandmick

Line drying is way forward. Roll on summer @goriami

Shut curtains as soon as it gets dark. Reduced energy lost through window glass @BeingMrsC

Old fashioned but I actually use candles for a light source at night when I’m reading @emellabe

We are so tight on spending. We use blankets and a hot wheat bag on the lap when watching TV. No heating. @tattooed_mummy

If it’s really cold at night sometimes I just go to bed as I am never cold under my duvet @NewMumOnline

 

Great savings

I switched and saved £180. Everyone needs to do this! @loeby

I am definitely switching now I can save £158 per year! Brilliant! @hedobaby

We have just switched suppliers and its saving us about £160 on top of our solar savings. Plus we get money back! @Caroljs

You’ve convinced me to at least check it out. The prospect of saving maybe £100s is too good to pass by! @emellabe

Could save over £200. I am switching tonight! @Luckysammystarr

Getting inspired about switching

Feel inspired to compare EVERYTHING tonight once kids in bed. Not just energy. Been apathetic too long
@Julestar1234

Switched to a company I didn’t know and was cheaper and greener and customer service better too @BeingMrsC

My switch was really easy and I got cashback after around 4 weeks as a thank you @bertie1999

If you’re on a fixed term tariff you will be put on the most expensive when it runs out so be ready to switch again @JoJoBald

Compared my energy and could save so much! I had no idea! I will be switching and saving! @x_nemo_x

Taking a note of all the tips 🙂 and time to spend FEW minutes on switching to save a LOT
@mummyandcuties

It is important to remember even if it’s a few pounds of saving to take it! It all adds up! @vickyandmick

 

What would you do with the savings?

Would definitely spend the extra money I would save on redoing the kitchen walls! They need TLC @Luckysammystarr

Treat myself to an excellent Spa! After all I am the one who does all the homework! @mummyandcuties

I would use it to chill out and, not worry about the bills! @carsonsmummy

If it means I can have a holiday then definitely worth a check. @thesoupdragon44

I’d love to be able to save money on my energy and hopefully save enough to help towards my daughters gym squad fees @Abipotimous

A nice weekend away in the Countryside without Gadgets @Sallyannmoomoo

The Last Words

Don’t forget to help your elderly friends and neighbours to find the best savings too – not everyone uses the web @KatiePrentice2

Read your own meter weekly so there are no big shocks when the bill arrives @Runnerduck22

NEVER be afraid of asking questions that you might think are “stupid” with regards to your bills and tariffs! @carsonsmummy