Energy hack could save £147 a year without turning off heating | Personal Finance

With a 10 per cent energy price cap now coming into effect from this month, many Brits are trying to figure out how they can tighten their budgets without getting cold at home this winter.

However, there are a variety of tips, tricks, methods and techniques they can employ to reduce energy costs while keeping the heating up during the cold months.

Renewable energy researcher Sean Slawson Geo Green PowerHe warned Brits that the vampires they should be on the lookout for this autumn are lurking not just on Halloween but also in their kitchens.

He explained how these vampire devices suck your energy: “Devices in standby mode still consume energy, and reducing this can lead to surprising savings. “Televisions, computers and games consoles are the biggest contributors to so-called ‘vampire’ energy consumption.”

The expert noted that some studies have shown that an average of £147 per household is lost each year due to these vampire devices.

Instead of a stake driven through the heart, these vampire devices need to be unplugged to stop sucking up unnecessary energy.

Sean also recommended smart power strips that automatically cut off power to devices not in use.

Some items, such as TVs, may have energy-saving features such as auto-off or screen dimming, which can help further reduce energy use.

The expert also shared other helpful tips to cut costs while maintaining heating; He noted that this would also make homes more environmentally friendly during the winter months.

One of the most unique hacks is to use reflective elements to increase the efficiency of your radiator.

Putting reflectors or a simple piece of tin foil behind your radiator will ensure that heat is reflected back into the room, preventing heat from leaking through the walls and being lost in the cold outside.

Sean also suggested making your laundry more environmentally friendly by avoiding machines whenever possible.

He explained: “Dryers are the most expensive to run. Try to avoid using them altogether and use sunny days to dry laundry outside whenever possible. If you must use the dryer, place a dry towel next to the dryer loads to reduce energy use by absorbing excess water and limiting the need for multiple runs.

Using an eco setting on dishwashers and washing machines and reducing the number of times you run them each week can cut a big chunk of your energy bill. The expert revealed that running the dishwasher one less time each week could save £11 a year, while washing clothes at a 30 degree cooler temperature could save £22 a year.