Big Energy Saving Week: 6 Energy-saving Tips for Students

Big Energy Saving Week is here! As students who might be renting or living alone for the first time, it can be challenging to know how best to conserve energy in your homes and reduce the cost of your energy bills as much as possible. 

We've put together six simple tips to help you manage your energy consumption, reduce costs, and make a positive impact on the earth. 

1. Switch off appliances at the plug

Did you know that all your appliances will continue to use energy when plugged in, even if they're on standby mode? You can save up to £50 a year in energy costs by doing something as simple as turning off appliances at the plug or unplugging them completely when not in use.

2. Turn off lights and switch to energy-saving lightbulbs

Want another easy energy win? Turning your lights off when you're not using them or when you leave a room will save you around £25 a year on your annual energy bills. If you want to save even more, you could switch to more energy-efficient lightbulbs, such as LEDs. LED bulbs have the added benefit of lasting longer than traditional bulbs, so you'll have to buy and change them far less frequently.

3. Wash your clothes at lower temperatures

Washing your clothes at 30 degrees Celsius and reducing the frequency of your laundry loads to once a week can cut your energy usage by a whopping 40%. This could save you up to £20 per year. To amplify your savings even further, switch your tumble dryer for an airer and hang clothes out to dry where possible. This could save you an additional £50 annually.

4. Take shorter showers

It might be nice to luxuriate in the hot water, but cutting your showers down to four minutes could save you up to £70 annually on your energy bill. If you have a water meter in your property, you'll also save on your water bill - win-win! Why not consider upgrading to an energy-efficient shower head, which reduces the amount of water used by regulating the water flow or aerating the water? This simple change could save you an extra £40 per year.

5. Avoid overfilling the kettle 

It may seem insignificant, but avoiding overfilling the kettle can save you £11 annually on your electricity bill. By using only the water you need, you can become more energy efficient and cut down on the time you're waiting for your morning coffee.

6. Turn radiators down in rooms you aren't using 

When you're not using a room in your house, it's a good idea to turn the radiator down to a lower setting. While it might seem more sensible to just turn them off completely, it's actually less energy-efficient as your boiler will have to work harder to heat the room when you eventually turn them back on. Keeping radiators running on a low setting can save you up to £50 a year and helps avoid potential issues like mould and damp from occurring. 

Make a positive change this Big Energy Saving Week

As students, making small changes in your energy consumption habits can have a significant impact on both the environment and your wallets. Embracing these simple yet effective energy-saving strategies can pave the way for a greener and more cost-effective future.

For more tips on how to reduce your energy consumption and become more eco-friendly, check out our blog on student sustainability.