10 ways to save energy this winter

With ever-increasing worries about the cost of living crisis, more people are looking for ways to save energy (and money) around the house. At BeSmart, we've compiled our top ten tips that could help you save on your household bills. We know some of these have been around for years, but they really do work and at times like these, it's worth a try...

1. Switch off Standby
Leaving plug sockets switched on and appliances on standby wastes energy. As every kilowatt is counted for (and adds to your monthly bill), making little changes to your daily habits can help you to save.

2. Draught-proof Windows & Doors

In the heat of summer it's hardly thought of to consider draught-excluders, but when the winter sets in, a small draught can really bring the temperature down. Draught excluders are commonly available or if you're creative you could make your own!

3. Shorten your Shower

Reducing your time in the shower won't only give you more time to enjoy your morning coffee, it can also save you money. Shortening the time spent in the shower can save even more if you're on a water meter. The same goes for leaving taps running when brushing your teeth.

4. Change your cooking habits

With the cost of living impacting everyone, it could be argued that one of the best ways through is to adapt. Cooking using a slow-cooker or a microwave can save significantly more energy than an oven and also requires no gas.

5. Don't overfill the Kettle

By only filling and boiling the amount you intend to use, your kettle doesn't have to work so hard. Also, you'll find your hot drinks are ready quicker when you only boil what you need.

6. Cut down on the Dishwasher

It can be tempting to rely on a dishwasher when you're short on time, but waiting wherever possible for it to be full before using it can help to make your machine more efficient.

7. Fill up the Washing Machine

Similarly, reducing your washing by one load a week not only saves water, but also energy. Detergents and washing powders today are also designed to wash just as effectively at 30 degrees.

8. Avoid the Tumble Dryer

When you're avoiding use of the central heating, drying washing can be a pain. But as the other tips above suggest, being more mindful of your use of certain appliances can still help to save energy.

9. Don't leave Lights on

An oldie but a goodie. By changing our habits and routines and swapping to more eco-friendly options every now and then, together we can make a big difference.

10. Consider Swapping some Suppliers

Sometimes, when you've tried all the tips and crunched the numbers, the only way to really save is to switch suppliers for things like mobile, TV and Broadband. That's where BeSmart can help! Read our environment policy or browse our product pages to see what you think. Get in touch to find out if you could save.