Cutting back on spending where possible is important while at university, but many students forget that making smarter choices at home can lead to lower energy bills. By using certain appliances at home more efficiently, you can reduce your electricity consumption over time. Remember, saving on your household bills is a team effort, so speak to your housemates about what you can all do to make a difference.
The Kitchen
1. Oven
Ovens require a lot of energy to preheat the large space inside and ensure it maintains a high temperature. Try bulk cooking to minimise how often you need to use the oven. When cooking, avoid opening the oven door too often, as this lets heat escape and can cause the oven to use more power. When possible, heat food in the microwave instead, as this uses less energy.
2. Dishwasher
A dishwasher uses a lot of electricity to heat water and dry the dishes at the end of the cycle. Think about only running full loads, using eco mode, and letting the dishes air-dry by skipping the dry cycle.
3. Fridge-Freezer
Unlike other household appliances, fridges and freezers run 24/7. To save electricity, keep them at their recommended temperatures and ensure their doors aren’t left open for too long. If ice builds up in your freezer, it can also cause it to work harder and therefore use more power. If you notice this happening, make sure to de-ice it as soon as you can.
4. Kettle
Even though kettles are used for short amounts of time, lots of electricity is needed to heat the water inside quickly. Only boil the amount of water you need, so your kettle doesn’t need to use as much power to heat it. Descaling your kettle regularly can also improve its efficiency, so it doesn’t have to work as hard to boil water.
Laundry
5. Washing Machine
A lot of power is needed to heat water inside the washing machine. Because of this, washing your clothes on an eco cycle or at lower temperatures can save electricity. Running full loads rather than several smaller ones can also help reduce usage.
6. Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers require a lot of energy to generate the heat that dries your clothes. To reduce electricity use, many students buy a clothes airer to dry their clothes on. A portable one that you can move outside when the weather is warm or breezy can be both convenient and effective.
Bathroom
7. Electric Shower
An electric shower is more expensive to run compared to a gas-powered one because electricity costs more per kilowatt-hour than gas. Try taking shorter showers and turning the water off when you’re not using it, such as when applying shampoo.
Living Room
8. Lighting
Although lighting isn’t an expensive appliance to run, it can become very costly over time. LED light bulbs are energy-efficient, so if you don’t already have them, installing them can save money on your electricity bill in the long-run. When possible, make the most of natural daylight, and always switch off the lights when you leave the room.
Bedroom
9. Games Console
Gaming consoles use less electricity compared to other household appliances, but long gaming sessions and leaving consoles on standby can lead to higher energy bills. To save electricity, turn off consoles and monitors completely when you’re not using them. Turn on power-saving settings where necessary.
10. Portable Electric Heater
These need a lot of power, especially if they’re used for several hours. Because of this, it’s best to use them only if you need to. There are many ways to heat yourself without using an electric heater, such as wearing fluffy socks, wrapping yourself up in thick blankets and filling a hot water bottle. You can also keep the room warm by using rugs on the floors, draught excluders at the bottom of doorways, and opening south-facing curtains when it’s sunny outside.
How The Student Energy Group Can Help You Save On Your Bills
At The Student Energy Group, we help students save on their energy bills to prevent financial stress. We’ll combine all your household utilities into one monthly statement, including energy, gas, water, internet and TV licence, which you can split evenly between you and your housemates. When you sign up with us, we’ll make sure to plant a tree! Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today to start saving on your student bills.
