How to save money on energy bills

How to keep your utilities bills within budget in yourstudent house

·     Wash your clothes on a lower temperature setting: all modern washing powder and tablets that you buy at the supermarket wash as efficiently at 30 degrees as they do at a higher temperature. So always look where possible to use that lower temperature setting. Also, see if any of your housemates have any washing they need to do so that you optimise using the washing machine.

·     Avoid the tumble drier when your clothes will dry outside on an airer or on a washing line. The temptation to put your clothes in the tumble drier can sometimes mean that you make this choice, but tumble driers are expensive to run so, where possible, do your washing to coincide with a decent day’s weather and hang it outside. Bonus is that it smells nicer too!

·     When not using appliances, switch them off at the plug, including your laptop and smart phone chargers as this can actually save you money….who knew!

·     Take a shower instead of a bath and take the shortest shower you can as this can save you money on your gas or electricity bills. If you’re feeling super organised, set a timer for your showers!

·     Only boil the kettle with enough water for what you need. If you’re making a cup of tea, there’s no need to fill the kettle up as it’s wasted energy.

·     When you go out, make sure all lights are off.

·     Keep doors closed so that rooms retain their heat and, if needs be, buy some draught excluders to create extra retention.

·     Use a washing up bowl instead of a running tap to do your washing up. If you don’t have access to a dishwasher, this will save you money rather than watching hot water just flow down the kitchen plughole.

·     Rather than reaching to turn the heating up, put on an extra layer.

·     If you’ve got a day of studying ahead of you, why not make the most of the university’s resources by going to one of their study hubs so that you don’t have to heat your room for the day?

We know that trying to be economical with your use of energycan be hard but in doing so, you’re more likely to protect your deposit at theend of your tenancy….

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