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Spend less on home and energy

Small habits that lower energy and water use, and make the home things you own last longer.

7 habits Hours of work calculator

Home and energy

Photo: Mottsarah, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For bigger savings such as switching plans, see the electricity bill guide on HeftySavings. These are the free, everyday habits that trim usage.

The habits

1

Wash clothes cold and full Easy

Most of a washing machine’s energy goes into heating water. Modern detergents work well in cold water.

2

Air-dry when you can Easy

A clothes airer or line costs little and the dryer is one of the biggest energy users in many homes.

3

Switch off standby Easy

Use a power strip for the TV, games console and computer and switch it off at night.

4

Fix drips and drafts Some effort

A dripping tap and a draft around a door both cost money every day. Washers and draught strips are cheap.

5

Set the thermostat a degree lower Easy

Wear a jumper and adjust slowly. In summer, a degree or two higher.

6

Batch your oven use Easy

Cook two things at once, or use a microwave, slow cooker or air fryer for small meals.

7

Learn basic repairs Some effort

Sewing on a button, unblocking a sink and replacing a fuse or tap washer can be learned from a video in minutes.

Example figures are simple arithmetic to show how amounts add up. Your numbers will differ.

Tips from travellers

Tried Home and energy? Share what helped. The first good one goes right here.

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