Reduce energy usage
Laptops, games consoles etc. 6% of a typical energy bill:
- turn down the brightness setting on the TV - factory settings are higher than we need in day to day use. Using the TV to listen to radio? Turn on the screen blanking feature to save energy
- when replacing electrical products consider buying AAA energy efficient rating (or as close to this as you can afford)
- hairdryers used on the cool setting, saves £10 a year and is healthier for your hair.
Electrical items left on standby still use energy which adds up on your bill across the course of a year. (Figures from Utilita a gas and energy supplier 2022):
- TV - £12 a year
- Xboxes and Play stations - £16.24 a year
- printers - £6.50 per year
- baby monitors - £4.87 per year. Only suggesting you switch it off while the baby is with you
- kettles - £4.87 per year.
- microwaves - £1.62 per year
- laptops - £4.87 per year
- phone chargers - 32p per year if left on the whole time
- smart speakers - £3.45 per speaker