However, it’s possible to save on energy usage and bills, and still enjoy a warm home this Christmas. Here are some expert tips for reducing your energy bills this winter.

Turn gadgets off

Nowadays, people of all ages are more plugged in than ever, especially younger generations. Chances are they’ll own several electronic devices and use them throughout the day.

While there is almost certainly little point trying to curb the trend, uSwitch.com recommend users switch devices fully off any time they are not in use. This reduces the amount of time devices spend charging, in turn reducing energy usage.

Heat your home, not your clothes

It’s a little known fact, but 90 per cent of the energy used by a washing machine is spent on heating the water used. As a result, the energy saved by washing at 30 rather than 40°C can be significant. Which? recommends lowering temperatures for all washes, and a blanket ban on all tumble drying during Winter.

Furthermore, they advise that reducing room temperatures by 1ºC can reduce heating bills by up to £85-£90 annually. Why not put on a jumper, and turn your thermostat down a few notches?

You could also make savings by turning radiators in rarely used or empty rooms down or off completely.

Buy efficient

Most home appliances come with an energy-efficiency rating, between A and G. MoneySuperMarket.com estimates consumers can save up to £90 a year by choosing the most efficient model.

Which? notes running costs for washing machines can vary between £11 and £50 per year, depending on a device’s energy efficiency, with switches to more efficient tumble dryers saving around £100 per year, fridge-freezers £62 and light bulbs £7 per bulb. Switching every appliance in your kitchen to an energy-saving version could save you up to £250 every year overall.

Cook patiently

Whether you’re entertaining guests throughout the season, or simply cooking Christmas dinner, your oven, a major energy sapper, will be put through its paces this Christmas.

uSwitch.com urges all cooks and their helpers to resist the urge to open the oven door to check on the meal’s progress. Each time it’s opened, the oven loses heat and requires more energy to return to its target temperature.

Instead, keep the oven door clean so it’s possible to view the contents’ status. When your food is ready, leave the oven door open to warm the house with stored heat.

Upgrade

MoneySuperMarket.com suggests making your home more energy-efficient by installing double or even triple glazing.

While conceding upgrading can be a “big job”, the comparison site notes double glazing saves homeowners an average of £170 a year on their energy bills annually.

However, homeowners in a listed property or conservation area, there might be restrictions on the type of alterations you can make to your home. If you cannot install double glazing, you could alternatively consider secondary glazing, or even some thicker curtains or sealed blinds or shutters.

Switch

If you haven’t switched energy supplier in the last three years, there’s a good chance you could save money. Switching is easy, and Which? estimates consumers on average save about £150.

For information on how to switch, please visit the YourMoney.com guide to switching energy supplier.

Even if you’ve switched recently, you may still be able to save money with your new supplier. Ensure you are on their cheapest tariff, pay via monthly direct debit and manage your account online (i.e. don’t receive paper statements).

[article_related_posts]