Reducing your energy use

Many families experience increased, hidden costs when looking after a child with complex needs at home. These costs include more expensive heating, electricity and water bills.

You may be able to reduce your energy use by using energy more efficiently. We hope these tips will help you to lower your bills by reducing your energy and water usage as safely as possible.

Reducing your gas (heating)

• Turn off individual radiators and keep the doors shut in rooms you don’t tend to go in so you can avoid wasting energy on unused rooms.
• Keep your radiators clear of clutter – when they are blocked by clutter and furniture the warm air can’t circulate and so won’t be as efficient.
• Bleed your radiators often to remove air pockets which in turn will make your home warmer.
• Fit radiator panels behind radiators under windows.
• Close your blinds and curtains in the early evening to keep the heat in.
• Get your system serviced once a year – to make sure it’s safe and working as efficiently as possible.

Reducing your electricity

• Switch off devices on standby, they are using power even on standby.
• Turn off the lights if you are not using the room.
• Be aware of how many lights you have on in a room. If you have the main light on, do you need the lamp on too?
• Swap to LED bulbs.
• Don’t overfill the kettle.
• Use a slow cooker or air fryer instead of your oven.
• Always cover pots and pans – the water will boil faster.
• Avoid using the tumble dryer, whenever possible dry clothes outside.
• Do not keep opening the oven door, you are letting the heat out and wasting energy – look through the glass instead.
• Use the eco mode on your dishwasher and washing machine, you will save electricity and water.

Reducing your water

• Use a bowl in the sink when washing fruit, vegetables or dishes. You can then use the waste water to water your plants.
• Fill a jug of water and put it in the fridge for when you want a cool drink.
• Turn off the tap when you clean your teeth. A running tap uses up to nine litres of water a minute.
• Wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine or your dishwasher.
• Always use the eco mode. Although it takes longer, it’s much cheaper.
• If possible, take a shower instead of a bath. A five-minute shower uses about 40 litres of water. This is about half the volume of a standard bath.
• Use a water-saving device in your toilet cistern. Depending on the size of your cistern, you could save between one and three litres each time you flush the toilet.

Download our Energy Advice Guide for more tips to reduce your energy use and help understanding your energy bills.

Don’t forget, our Energy Adviser is also available if you have any questions. Book a free online or telephone appointment or email: energy@togetherforshortlives.org.uk