Energy Saving Tips

    The average annual household bill for gas and electricity has nearly doubled over the past decade, now exceeding £1,200. To reduce your bills, the first step is to switch to the most affordable energy provider. After that, focus on using less energy!

    Reduce Oil and Gas Heating Costs

    1. Set Your Timeclock
    2. Schedule your heating to turn on only during the times you need it.
    3. Program your timeclock to start the heating 30 minutes before you expect to need it.
    4. Set your timeclock to turn off 30 minutes before bedtime.
    1. Adjust Your Thermostat Down
    2. Set your thermostat between 18-21°C. Each degree you increase the temperature adds 10% to your costs.
    3. During your 'timeclock on' period, the thermostat will automatically turn your boiler off and on to maintain the set temperature, reducing boiler run time and energy costs.

    General Tips to Reduce Heating Costs and Risk of Damp – Any Fuel Type

    • Keep windows and doors shut when using your heating, if practical.
    • Dry clothes outside when possible. If not, do so in a well-ventilated space.
    • Use a drying rack for indoor drying. Place it in an unused room, such as the bathroom, and open windows to let moisture escape. Close windows promptly after drying clothes.
    • Avoid blocking radiators with curtains or furniture.
    • Open curtains during the day to let sunlight provide free heat. Close curtains at dusk to retain the heat gained from the sun.
    • Use draft proofing measures, such as inexpensive draft excluders.
    • Make sure there is adequate loft insulation to retain heat.
    • Install reflective panels behind radiators to reflect heat away from walls.

    Reduce Electricity Bills - Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home

    • Turn off lights when not in use.
    • Choose energy-saving lightbulbs.
    • Choose A-rated appliances for better energy efficiency. Refer to energy efficiency labelling for more information.
    • Switch appliances off at the plug to avoid standby mode, as they still consume electricity.
    • Unplug chargers when not in use and charge devices during the day, switching chargers off once done.
    • Boil only the water you need in your kettle and descale it regularly in hard water areas.
    • Opt for quick-cooking meals and recipes.
    • Cover pots when cooking on the hob and use the correct hob size for your pot.
    • Reheat food in a microwave instead of using a hob or oven.
    • Set your fridge to 4°C and your freezer to -18°C.
    • Wash clothes at 30°C or eco mode and ensure full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher.
    • Avoid using a tumble dryer; dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated space if possible.
    • Minimize the use of electric heaters like fan heaters, as they are inefficient. Choose an oil-filled electric radiator if you need a portable electric heater, as they are more efficient.

    Shop around the various electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland, if you are not under contract you can switch to the cheapest available option. Electricity Price Comparison Northern Ireland | Powertoswitch.co.uk