Four ways to save energy this Spring

With energy prices rising, we’ve recently been sharing tips - including some suggestions submitted by our customers - on how you can save energy around the home.

Sunday 20th March will mark the long-awaited first day of Spring in the UK - and although the warmer temperatures might be a welcome opportunity to switch off the heating and get outside, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth thinking about how efficiently you’re using energy. Whatever the season, there are still small changes you can make to reduce your energy use, and save money on your bills. 

Read on for our four tips. 

Make the most of extra daylight

When the clocks go forward on Sunday 27th March, daylight savings means we’ll all be appreciating a bit more natural light. Data suggests that lighting accounts for around 15% of the average household’s electricity bill, so now is a good time to reduce your reliance on indoor lighting. 

Get your boiler serviced

The arrival of Spring is a good time to give your boiler a bit of a spring clean - after all, it’s been working hard keeping you warm throughout the winter months. 

Most experts recommend getting your boiler serviced once a year to ensure that it is running safely and efficiently. Not doing so could lead to faults, and possibly higher energy bills too. With heating accounting for over half your energy bill, an efficient boiler can make a big difference. 

If you’ve had your boiler for a while, now might also be a good time to think about whether you’re due an upgrade. If that’s the case, it’s worth having a read of this guide to replacing your boiler, for details on how to choose the most efficient boiler for your home. 

Defrost the freezer

Whilst you’re in spring cleaning mode, take the time to defrost your freezer - a job that many put off, but can make a difference to the amount of energy you’re using. This is because when ice builds up in the freezer it acts as an insulator, meaning that it has to work harder than it usually would.

Once defrosted, there are other things you should check too, to ensure that this energy-guzzling appliance is running as efficiently as possible. Use this Which? guide as a useful checklist for tips, including cleaning the freezer condenser coils - which can prevent the freezer from cooling properly when dusty - and checking that door seals are working correctly. 

Dry laundry outside 

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that not using a tumble dryer could save you around £30 a year on your energy bills. The warmer, dryer days heralded by the arrival of Spring are an opportunity to dry washing outside, if you have access to outside space such as a garden or balcony. 

While you’re looking at your laundry habits, also consider washing your clothes at 30°C, if you’re not already. According to Which?, washing at 30°C uses 38% less energy than washing at 40°C.