The Big Energy Saving week

This week is the Big Energy Savings Week, a campaign set up by Citizens Advice and other organisations and charities to help people cut down on their energy bills. So, we thought what a perfect time to come up with our own tips on how to save money, not just to cut down your energy bills, but to cut down all household bills.

There are many little quick fixes that everyone can do to save a few bob here and then. While some people may need to tighten their purse strings a little during the pandemic, why not give these tips a go and see if they can make a difference.

Top tips to cut down your bills

1.Turn unnecessary plugs off to save £99 a year

Many of us have been working from home for a while now, which means we’re using more electric. One plug being left on can cost 27p a day, which doesn’t sound a lot, but that’s £99 a year. So, make sure you turn your plugs off when you’re done with them.

2.Compare energy suppliers

Are you getting the best deal? Don’t get stuck paying more than you should. Our marketplace offers an energy comparison service to help you find the best deal for your energy supplier. It can take just minutes to switch and save you money. Download the thinkmoney app now to check out our marketplace.

3.Delete unused subscriptions

We’ve all signed up to subscriptions in the past thinking we will make the most of them, only to forget about them further down the line. Using your thinkmoney app, you can manage your Direct Debits and delete any that you no longer use.

4.Turn your heating down by 1 degree

It has been getting rather cold recently (anyone else had snow?), so the heating is bound to be getting used more frequently. But, if you just turn the dial to 1 degree below your usual temperature, this could save you £80 per year.

5.Close your curtains at dusk

As soon as the sun starts to set, it’s time to close the curtains. Not just for privacy, but to stop heat from escaping through the windows so you’ll barely feel that the heating is 1 degree cooler.

6.Turn appliances off standby

With working from home, it may be tempting to leave your computer on standby. However, along with other items being left on standby, it can cost you £30 per year. So, if it can be switched off, let’s turn it off.

7.Turn off the tap

A running tap can waste more than 6-litres of water per minute. So when you’re brushing your teeth, shaving, or even washing the dishes, turn off the tap when you don’t need it. When it comes to the dishes, using a washing up bowl can really help save water, and in turn, money.

8.Turn off the lights

It goes without saying, if a light doesn’t need to be on, turn it off. Even if you leave and re-enter a room moments later, turning the light off for those few seconds will save more energy and could save you around £15 a year.

9.Write a food shop list

When doing the food shop, it can be so tempting to throw a few extra items in here and there, but that’s when the bill starts to rise. Write a list before you head out and make sure you stick to it. It will prevent you from buying things you don’t actually need and save you a few pennies in the meantime.

10.Close the door

Is there a room in your home that isn’t being used? Close the door. Do have a wardrobe or cupboard under the stairs where the door is often left open? Close it. Closing these doors will stop these areas taking up valuable heating from the areas you need it. That way, the rooms that you want to keep cosy can stay warm for longer using less heating, cutting down on your energy bills.

For more tips on how to save on your energy bills, check out the Energy Saving Trust.