With energy prices going through the roof and inflation rising, many things are getting more expensive right now. People are being financially squeezed in every direction, from household bills to petrol for your car and your weekly grocery shop.
However, there are things everyone can do to keep their costs down at home and keep more money in their pockets. Here we share seven tips you can use to help lower the cost of living.
1: Low-temperature laundry
Turn down the temperature on your washing machine and choose 30-degree washes when you can. Washing at lower temperatures can save up to 60 per cent on your energy use per wash, according to the researcher by Ariel. Use supermarket brand laundry detergent and fabric softener to cut laundry costs further.
2: Line dry laundry instead of using appliances
Reducing our laundry costs is more than saving water and washing at lower temperatures. Wet laundry needs to dry, but avoiding a tumble dryer can significantly decrease your energy bills. The cheapest way to dry your clothes is to line dry outdoors or hang on clothes airers indoors on rainy days. You can save up to £60 in bills by naturally air-drying your clothes.
3: Take a shower, not a bath
Taking showers will not only save you money on your water bill, but it will also use less power to heat the water you use. A two-minute shower costs a fraction of the price of filling a bath full of hot water. If you have spent money on a gym membership, you can save money by showering at the gym whenever possible to keep costs down at home.
4: Purchase energy-efficient white goods
If your fridge, freezer, or other household appliance is on its last legs and you are considering replacing it, ensure you buy the most energy-efficient model you can afford for your budget. Do you need a large freezer that stands half-empty, or would a smaller freezer suffice? Keeping your freezer full helps to reduce its energy consumption, lowering your electricity bill.
5: Make sure that windows are closed in winter
While it is essential to air out your rooms, leaving windows open all day while the heating is on is a sure way to bump up your bills. Check windows and doors for draughts and gaps where heat can escape and fix them. Hang thick curtains and wear a jumper when the days get chilly instead of turning up your heating.
6: Unplug electronic devices
While keeping your gadgets plugged in and on standby is more convenient, many electronic devices will still consume energy flowing through the lead while on standby and not in use. This is a waste of power, and simply flicking a switch at the socket can prevent devices from wasting energy.
7: Switch to supermarket brands
All supermarkets have their own-branded products on the shelves that are cheaper than branded alternatives. Even though you may only be saving a few pennies here and there, the savings made over a year on your food budget is nothing to be sniffed at! Many supermarket products are so good that it can be difficult to spot the difference so that it won’t feel like a compromise to go with the cheaper option.
For many more effective ways to reduce your cost of living, see these tips by Camberley Glass & Windows & the Citizens Advice Bureau. Following these tips can save money on your household bills and keep more money in your pocket.
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