Colder days, darker evenings, and more time spent indoors can all lead to higher energy bills. However, by making small changes, you can reduce your energy usage and keep your bills feeling more manageable throughout autumn.
Colder Temperatures Can Increase Heating Usage
As temperatures start to drop, many households turn their heating on. Because people tend to spend more time indoors during the colder months, the heating may be left on for longer periods. However, heaters are among the biggest contributors to energy use in the home, so they need to be used wisely.
How to Reduce Heating Costs This Autumn
You can use the heating more efficiently by having an agreed schedule with your housemates. Every household is different, but some people choose to switch it on for a short period in the morning and again in the evening when they come home. Setting timers ensures your heating system is only used when you need it. At the same time, try turning your thermostat down by just a few degrees, as this can reduce your energy usage while ensuring your home still feels comfortable.
If you’re looking for ways to keep yourself warm without relying on the heating, get yourself a hot water bottle, use fluffy blankets, and wear thick clothes like hoodies and fleece joggers. You can also help keep rooms warm by placing draught excluders at the bottom of doors to stop cold air getting in.
Shorter Days Can Increase Electricity Usage
As it gets darker earlier and students spend more time at home, it’s natural to use certain devices more often, such as TVs, lights, and gaming consoles. If these are left on accidentally, they can use more electricity than necessary.
How to Use Less Electricity During Darker Evenings
Where possible, leave the lights off during the day and leave the curtains open to make the most of natural light. When you do need to use artificial lighting, LED bulbs can be helpful, as they use much less electricity than standard bulbs. If you’re someone who tends to leave the lights on when leaving the room, put sticky notes by light switches as a reminder to turn them off. At the same time, avoid leaving devices on standby and unplug things like chargers and hair dryers when not in use, as they can still draw power.
Hot Water Usage Can Increase As It Gets Colder
Whether you’re taking a shower or washing your hands, you’re likely to use more hot water for longer periods of time during autumn. Using lots of hot water doesn’t just increase your energy bill; it also makes your water bill more costly. Hot chocolates and coffees can be tempting when it’s cold outside, which can also lead to the kettle being used more often to heat water.
How Students Can Reduce Hot Water Costs
Cutting your showers by just a few minutes can reduce both water and energy usage. At the same time, you can save money on your utility bills by not leaving taps running unnecessarily when brushing your teeth or washing up. If you find any leaks or issues with hot water systems, report them to your landlord straight away, as these can drive up your water bill. Even very small leaks can lead to higher costs over time. When using the kettle to make hot drinks, don’t heat more water than you need, as this requires more electricity than necessary.
How Housemates Can Work Together to Reduce Student Energy Bills
When living in a house with other people, saving on your utility bills should be a team effort. This can involve agreeing on heating schedules and discussing what each of you will do to make a difference. Having a conversation about this can prevent future disagreements.
Start Saving Money Today With The Student Energy Group
At The Student Energy Group, we understand that bills are one of the highest costs students have, but we’re here to help you save money and reduce financial stress. We’ll combine all your household bills, including energy, gas, internet, water, and your TV licence, into one monthly statement that you and your housemates can split equally between you. You can create your bills package for students with just a few simple clicks. It takes less than two minutes to get a free, no-obligation quote from us. We even plant a tree for every household that signs up with us!
