As energy bills rise during the colder months, as a nation we are always on the lookout for new, smart ways to save. However, many households may be unknowingly falling into daily routines that cause their monthly bills to soar.
To help keep bills from creeping up, we’ve highlighted six of the most common, avoidable mistakes that might be driving up your energy usage.
Take a moment to read through the questions below – are you making any of these energy-wasting errors?
What are ‘vampire appliances’?
Putting a device in standby mode isn’t the same as turning it off or unplugging it; it’s more like putting it to sleep. They still use plenty of electricity in the background, leading to the coining of the term, ‘vampire device.’
So, how much energy do these ‘vampire devices’ use on standby, and what’s the yearly cost? We estimate that by unplugging 20 common appliances when not in use, you could save up to £131 a year — equivalent to about 14% off the average UK electricity bill.
The biggest savings come from unplugging:
- Game consoles (£32/year)
- Gaming PCs (£21)
- TVs (£14)
- Desktop computers (£18) — some saving!
Do air fryers use less energy than ovens?
Choosing the wrong appliance for cooking can make a difference to your energy bills over time. For instance, if you’re only preparing a meal for one, preheating an entire oven can be quite energy intensive. Instead, using a more energy-efficient appliance, like an air fryer, could be the better and more cost-effective option.
Cooking 600g of chicken breast in an air fryer costs about £0.13 in the UK, but by using an electric oven to cook the same chicken breast, you’ll be paying £0.18 — a difference of £0.05 each time.
While these one-off costs may seem small on paper, consistently using the less efficient appliance can lead to noticeably higher energy bills.
How long is TOO long in the shower?
Most people don’t realise that shaving just two minutes off your shower time can save the average household up to £20 a year.
Lowering the water temperature slightly also saves energy use, so the occasional cold shower may just be worth it. Emphasis on just!
These aren't drastic lifestyle changes, but if everyone in your household joins in, it can be an effective way to reduce energy costs and make a noticeable difference to your monthly bills.
Do kettles use a lot of electricity?
The kettle is one of the biggest culprits for wasting energy, mainly because we tend to overfill it, even when we only need to make a few cups of tea. By only boiling the amount of water you need, you could save up to £19 on your energy bill each year and lower your household’s carbon footprint, making it beneficial for the environment too.
Kettles are high-wattage appliances designed to heat water quickly, so the next time you make a brew, only boil the amount of water you need.
What to look for on energy labels?
When you’re buying new home appliances or electricals, it’s important to not only focus on the energy rating label. While these ratings are helpful, they don’t give the complete picture.
Larger electricals generally use more energy, even if they have a relatively good energy rating. For example, a 40-inch TV with a lower energy rating (G) will cost you around £35 a year to run in the UK. However, a 60-inch TV with a better rating (F) could still cost £35 a year, purely because it’s much bigger.
So, choosing a larger appliance with a better rating might not always save you money. Instead, check the energy consumption details on the label, which usually show the below:
- kWh per 1000 hours of use
- kWh per 100 cycles or washes
- kWh per year
These figures will give you a much clearer idea of how much energy the appliance will actually use, and help you make a more informed choice.
How often should I bleed my radiators?
Bleeding radiators can help make your home warmer and lowers energy bills by removing air pockets that reduce radiator pressure and stop them working efficiently. If bled properly, it’ll mean you won’t have to keep your heating on full blast during the winter.
Bleeding your radiators at least once a year, ideally before turning your heating back on, ensures they run at optimum efficiency. The best part is it’s quick and easy to do it yourself, potentially saving up to £100 or more on hiring a plumber to do the job for you.
Here’s how you can easily bleed your radiators at home:
- Gather your tools: You'll need a radiator bleed key and an old towel, or bucket.
- Turn off the heating: Ensure the heating is off to avoid any scalding water- ouch! If you’ve recently had the heating on, wait at least two hours for the system to cool down.
- Lay down a towel: Place a towel or bucket under the radiator to catch any drips.
- Open the valve: Use the radiator key to turn the valve, usually found in a corner. You’ll hear a hissing sound as air escapes. Once the hissing stops and water drips out, close the valve.
- Test your radiators: Turn the heating back on for a few minutes to check for even warmth. All being well, there should be no cold spots.
How can I maximise the efficiency of electric radiators?
Electric radiators are 100% efficient at point of use, but there are still ways to cut costs and make the most of your heating. WiFi controlled electric radiators give you better control over energy use and help you stay on top of your consumption.
Check out these tips for some quick wins on your heating bills:
1. Set up a heating schedule
Weekly programming ensures your heating fits your routine. Set it to warm up in the morning, switch off when you leave, and turn back on before you get home. It’s an easy way to stay cosy while cutting energy waste.
Our bestseller, the Ecostrad iQ Ceramic, takes efficiency a step further with a built-in motion sensor. If your radiator is set to turn on at 5pm but your plans change, it detects that no one’s home and automatically lowers the heat, eventually switching to a low-energy mode until you return. No need for constant adjustments – win-win!
2. Track your energy usage
Many smart electric radiators let you monitor energy consumption via an app, so you can make informed heating decisions. Two of our bestsellers, the iQ Ceramic and Moda SmartStone, allow real-time tracking through the Smart Life app, helping you spot patterns and optimise efficiency.
3. Zone your heating
With electric radiators, you can heat each room separately, saving energy where it’s not needed. Instead of warming the whole house, focus on the rooms you’re actually using – whether it’s just the living room in the evening or the bedroom at night. This way, you’re cutting costs hour by hour.
Use the Ecostrad Ecosystem app for your Ecostrad smart radiators to easily categorise them into rooms or zones and manage them seamlessly with a few taps of your smart device!
Electric radiators make zoning your heating easier than ever, and it’s one of the simplest ways to reduce your heating bills.
Check out our video to learn how it works and all the ways it can save energy.
To conclude…
Small adjustments to your daily habits can make a big difference when it comes to lowering your energy bills. By being more mindful about things like appliance choices, shower time, and heating management, you can avoid those sneaky energy drains that add up over time.
While these changes may seem minor, consistently applying them across your household will start to show noticeable savings on your monthly bills. You’ll be doing your bit to reduce your home’s carbon footprint too!
So, next time you’re boiling the kettle, hopping in the shower, or buying a new appliance, keep these energy-saving habits in mind to make sure you’re not unknowingly inflating your energy costs.
For more advice on keeping your bills in check, be sure to explore our other blog on top energy saving tips for the home.
Key learnings
✓ Using energy-efficient appliances like air fryers instead of ovens for small meals can help reduce electricity costs over time.
✓ Unplugging ‘vampire devices’ like game consoles and TVs when not in use can save up to £131 a year on energy bills.
✓ Cutting just two minutes off your shower time can save an average household up to £20 annually.
✓ Only boiling the amount of water you need in the kettle can reduce energy waste and save up to £19 per year.
✓ Checking an appliance’s actual energy consumption, not just its rating, ensures a more informed and cost-effective purchase.
✓ Bleeding radiators annually improves heating efficiency and can save money by reducing the need for constant high heating.
