Students are constantly searching for new ways to budget and save, but often overlook perfect opportunities, like spring. The warmer weather brings longer days, plenty of natural light, and milder temperatures, all of which make it easier to save on your energy bill.
How Students Can Save Energy This Spring
Turn Down or Switch Off Your Heating Gradually
As spring approaches, the weather gradually gets warmer and the days grow longer. Instead of leaving the heating on throughout the day, make the most of natural warmth by keeping your curtains open and letting sunlight heat your space. However, in spring there will still be colder and rainier days. Rather than switching your heating off all at once, turning it down or off slowly can feel more comfortable. Even lowering the thermostat by just one degree can make a difference to your energy bills over time.
Open Windows to Improve Ventilation
When it’s warm outside, leave the windows open around the house. Doing so naturally regulates the inside temperature, reducing the need to use the heating or electric fans. Feeling the outside air is also refreshing, and can make your space feel less stuffy and more inviting.
Make the Most of Natural Light
Leaving lights on when they don’t need to be will slowly increase your energy bill over time. When it’s sunny outside, leaving the curtains open not only helps warm your house but also keeps it feeling bright. Natural light also helps your body produce vitamin D, which can boost your mood and keep you feeling positive throughout the day.
Be Smarter With Hot Water Usage
There are certain situations where you may find hot water isn’t needed as much in warmer weather. Here are some examples:
- Taking shorter or colder showers: Warm showers can feel uncomfortable when it’s really hot outside, but a colder or shorter shower can cool you down.
- Washing clothes at lower temperatures: Some lightweight fabrics worn in spring are better suited to a colder wash.
- Spending more time outside: If you go outside more often to enjoy the warm weather, then there’s less need to use hot water at home for things like showering and washing up.
Unplug Devices You Use Less in Spring
There are certain devices you might use more in winter than in the warmer months, like electric blankets, SAD lamps, and dehumidifiers. If devices are plugged in, but aren’t in use, they can still draw electricity. Making sure devices you aren’t using are unplugged means you’ve taken steps to save on your energy bill.
Air Dry Clothes Instead of Using a Tumble Dryer
A tumble dryer is a high-energy appliance which is expensive to run. When it’s sunny outside, air-dry your clothes in the garden instead. Consider buying a foldable drying rack, as it can be used indoors and outdoors, so you can use it no matter the weather.
Defrost the Freezer
Over the winter, ice can build up in your freezer, making it work harder. This uses more electricity and can, in some cases, cause breakage. Removing ice once or twice a year can keep your freezer working normally. Spring is the perfect opportunity to remove ice buildup and give your appliance a fresh start.
Simple Ways to Stay on Top of Your Energy Usage
As well as spring energy saving tips, here are some ways you can save money on your energy bill all year round:
- Switch off the lights when you leave the room
- Use draught excluders to keep warm air in
- Use a smart meter to track energy usage
- Replace bulbs with LED bulbs, as these use less electricity
- Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need
- Unplug devices when you aren’t using them
Remember, saving on your bills is a group effort. Talking to your housemates about how you can all save energy means you’ll be on the same page and can work as a team.
How The Student Energy Group Can Help You Save This Spring
At The Student Energy Group, we offer a bills package for students that makes saving money while you study simple. We’ll bundle your household bills into one monthly statement that you and your housemates can split evenly between you. It only takes a few clicks to build your perfect all-inclusive uni bills package. Signing up with us also means we’ll plant a tree for a greener future! Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today to start saving and reduce your bill stress.
