British Gas Unveils Energy-Saving Hacks to Combat Soaring Winter Bills
As a persistent cold snap grips the United Kingdom, households nationwide are grappling with the dual challenge of staying warm and managing escalating energy costs. In response, British Gas has released a comprehensive set of practical guidance designed to help residents significantly lower their energy expenditure through simple, actionable changes.
Target High-Energy Appliances for Maximum Impact
British Gas identifies washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers as typically the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. Focusing adjustments here can yield substantial financial savings. The British Gas Energy Trust provides a key recommendation: "Wash clothes at a lower temperature: Where possible, wash at 30°C."
Furthermore, consumers are advised to always wait for a full load of dirty laundry before running the washing machine. This practice directly reduces the total number of wash cycles required. Given that a standard washing machine cycle can cost households between 40 to 50 pence, consolidating washes represents a straightforward path to considerable cumulative savings over the winter months.
Optimise Home Heating Efficiency
Beyond laundry, British Gas emphasises smart heating strategies. A notable tip is to "heat your home, not your walls" by installing reflective foil insulation sheets behind radiators. This simple measure helps bounce warmth back into the living space, improving heat retention and reducing waste.
Additional radiator advice includes:
- Bleeding radiators promptly if cold patches are detected to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.
- Reducing radiator thermostat settings in unused rooms and keeping doors closed to contain heat where it's needed most, while remaining mindful of potential condensation issues.
Eliminate Phantom Power and Unnecessary Consumption
The guidance extends to everyday electrical use. British Gas recommends being vigilant about phantom power drain from devices on standby. Households should:
- Switch off lights in unoccupied rooms.
- Turn off televisions, computers, and microwaves at the mains socket when not in active use.
- Avoid charging laptops and mobile phones overnight, as they may draw more electricity than necessary once fully charged.
By adopting this suite of energy-saving measures, from adjusting laundry routines to optimising heating and cutting standby power, British Gas customers and other UK residents can take proactive steps to mitigate the financial pressure of winter energy bills.
