Living in London comes with many perks—vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and endless activities. However, the cost of living, especially energy bills, can be a challenge. If you’re looking to reduce your electricity spend, you’re not alone. Here are some effective strategies to help you save on your electricity bills, especially in these summers.
1. Conduct an Energy Audit
Start with understanding your current energy usage. Conducting an energy audit can help you identify where you’re consuming the most electricity and where you can make savings. You can do a DIY audit or hire our professional electricians. Our electrical services also offer free audits as part of any paid service*. Look out for draughts, poor insulation, and inefficient appliances as they could be the main reason for it.
2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can make a significant difference. Look for appliances with high energy ratings (A++ or A+++). They might be more expensive initially, but they could save more money in the long run. For instance, an energy-efficient fridge can use up to 50% less electricity than an older model.
Fridge and freezer: These appliances run 24/7, so their energy efficiency is crucial. Consider a smaller model if you live alone or don’t need a lot of storage space.
Washing machine and dishwasher: Choose models with eco settings and only run them when they’re full. Washing clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures can also save energy.
Lighting: Switch to energy-saving bulbs.
3. Monitor Your Usage
Understand where your energy is going. Many electricity providers offer online accounts where you can track your daily, weekly, or monthly consumption. If yours doesn’t, a simple energy monitor can give you the insights you need.
- Look for trends: Do you use more electricity in the mornings, evenings, or weekends? Are there particular appliances that seem to be energy hogs?
- Set a baseline: Once you know your typical usage, you can start setting goals to reduce it. Even a small decrease can make a noticeable difference over time.
Smart meters are becoming standard in our homes and for a good reason. They give you real-time information on your energy usage, helping you identify peak times and wastage. You can track your consumption and adjust your habits accordingly. Plus, they eliminate the need for estimated bills, so you only pay for what you actually use.
4. Improve Home Insulation
Proper insulation can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. In London, where winters can be harsh, ensuring your home retains heat is crucial. Insulate your walls, roof, and floors to prevent heat loss. Double or triple-glazing your windows can also help maintain a stable indoor temperature.
5. Harness Natural Light
Maximise the use of natural light during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Open your curtains and blinds to let sunlight in. Consider installing skylights in darker rooms. Not only will this reduce your electricity usage, but it will also create a more pleasant living environment.
6. Opt for LED Lighting
LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Although they cost more upfront, the savings over time are substantial. Replace your old bulbs with LEDs in high-use areas like the kitchen, living room, and hallway.
7. Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Even when turned off, many devices consume electricity in standby mode. This “phantom load” can add up over time. Unplug chargers, televisions, and other electronics when they’re not in use. Alternatively, use power strips to turn off multiple devices at once.
8. Consider Solar Panels
While the initial investment can be high, solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills over time. With the UK’s Feed-in Tariff scheme, you can even get paid for the surplus energy you generate. Many Londoners are now turning to solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
9. Get Smart Heating and Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating is typically the biggest energy expense for London homes when the winter arrives. There are several ways to make your heating more efficient:
- Smart thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re not at home or during the night. Even a small decrease can lead to substantial savings. Smart thermostats can learn a daily routine and adjust the temperature accordingly. You can also control it remotely from your phone, so you’re not heating an empty house.
- Insulation: Proper insulation in your loft, walls, and floors can significantly reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills.
- Draught-proofing: Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards to stop draughts and keep the heat in.
10. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
Many energy providers offer off-peak rates, which are cheaper than standard rates. If your schedule allows, try to use high-energy appliances during these off-peak hours. This can help reduce your overall electricity spend.
11. Regular Maintenance of Appliances
of appliances ensures they run efficiently. Clean filters, defrost freezers and ensure that vents are not blocked. Well-maintained appliances use less energy and have a longer lifespan, providing more value for your money.
12. Educate Your Household
Educating everyone in your household about energy-saving practices can make a big difference. Simple actions like turning off lights when leaving a room, taking shorter showers, and only boiling the water you need can collectively lead to significant savings.
The Bigger Picture: Renewable Energy
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is another way to reduce electricity costs in the long term. The UK government is heavily investing in renewable energy, and many homes in London are now powered by green energy. Check if your energy provider offers renewable energy plans and consider making the switch. It’s not just about saving money but also about contributing to a sustainable future.
The UK government offers several schemes and incentives to help households reduce their energy consumption. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme provides grants for energy-efficient home improvements. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) offers payments to households that generate their own heat from renewable sources. Take advantage of these schemes to offset the costs of energy-saving upgrades.
According to the studies, the average household in London spends approximately £1,200 a year on electricity. By implementing energy-saving measures, households can reduce this by up to 20%. Moreover, it is estimated that energy-efficient appliances and home improvements can reduce carbon footprints by up to 30%.
Conclusion
Lowering your electricity spend in London is not just about saving money; it’s also about creating a more sustainable lifestyle. Small changes in your daily habits can lead to big savings, both financially and environmentally.
Start today and enjoy the benefits of a more energy-efficient home. Also, book an energy audit with BSES to get tailored and best recommendations and solutions.
