5 ways to save energy

Switch off standby appliances

There are lots of appliances in your home that still use small amounts of energy when they’re left on standby, and it can all add up. Turn appliances off standby mode when not in use – think microwaves, kettles, and the TV.

We’ve got a range of timer switches that are easy to use and can be set to turn off your TV, lamps and other appliances, so you can still save energy without worrying about forgetting to switch off – this also works brilliantly for Christmas lights and other seasonal decorations!

Here’s some more ways you can save:

• Don’t overfill the kettle, only boil the amount you need
• Pop a lid on your saucepans to bring liquids up to temperature faster

Switch to LED lights

Did you know LED light bulbs can last up to 25 years? So, if you replace your standard bulbs with LED it’s going to be a long time before you need to splash out for new ones or have to change a bulb in the dark with a torch tucked under your arm!

We’ve got a great range of LED bulbs and you can choose from different levels of light and a variety of colours that will suit any space. We’ve even got some funky shapes and designs, so there’s something for all tastes.

You’ll still need to turn them off when you leave the room though, unless you're using smart lighting! Get into the habit of switching off lights in rooms you’re not using to save even more energy.

Make your home smarter

Smart home products like smart lighting and smart heating can be controlled through your phone, wherever you are. That means if you're running late and don't want to heat an empty home, or you can't remember if you turned the lights off, you can sort it at the touch of a button!

From smart power sockets for electricals you always forget, to smart appliances, these clever bits of kit put you back in control of your energy usage.

Draughtproof any windows and doors

If there’s one thing that nobody needs, it’s sitting in a draught! We all know what it’s like; getting colder and colder while draughty air seeps in and lowers the temperature of the room.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution to stop wasting energy and stay warm. Draught proofing strips are cheap and easy to install. They come in a few different sizes, so make sure you get the right type for your room and you’ll soon be snuggly again.

Wash at 20 degrees

Gone are the days when everything needed to be washed at a super high temperature to get the stains out. These days, washing detergents are much better at getting clothes clean at lower temperatures. Our new laundry ranges are designed to work at just 20 degrees, meaning you can save on energy every time you wash. Here’s a few more little tips to help you get energy-efficient when doing the laundry:

• Pre-treat stains in the sink before putting into the wash
• Go for a shorter wash cycle if your laundry isn’t muddy or stained
• Make sure you’re washing with a full drum (not too full) – this can also reduce the amount of loads you do each week!
• Keep your washing machine clean so it stays working at its best. Check out our range of washing machine cleaners to help keep it running at its best

Forget the tumble dryer

When the weather’s dry, forget the tumble dryer and get your laundry pegged out in the fresh air! This’ll not only save some energy but also make your clothes smell super fresh! Using a retractable washing line means it won’t be in your way when it’s not in use too.

If it’s not possible to dry your washing outdoors, we’ve got a great range of space conscious airers. There are ones that fit on your radiators, over the bath, and even heated airers to get the job done quicker at a fraction of the cost of a tumble dryer. So, even if it’s pouring down outside, you can still get the washing dry!