Ten surprisingly clever ways to save energy using your home appliances differently

With energy bills rising again, we all know the usual advice - turn off standby, wash at 30°C, cut down on the tumble dryer. But what if you’ve already done the obvious?

Here are ten lesser-known ways to save energy and money by using your appliances a bit differently. Plus how much each one could save you over a year.

Use your washing machine’s ‘delay start’- safely

If you’re on an off-peak tariff (like Economy 7), running appliances during cheaper night-time hours can cut your electricity costs significantly. Many modern washing machines have a ‘delay start’ feature that lets you schedule a cycle for later, but it’s important to use this wisely.

Fire services advise against running washing machines, tumble dryers, or dishwashers while you’re asleep or out of the house, due to the risk of electrical fires. To stay safe and save money, try scheduling your wash for early morning or while you're at home and awake.

Potential saving: £30–£50/year (if you do 3–5 washes per week and shift to cheaper times)

Treat your fridge like a filing cabinet

Keeping your fridge around two-thirds full helps it run more efficiently, using less energy to stay cool. This works because the items inside retain the cold, so when you open the door, the temperature doesn't rise too quickly. Too empty or too packed, and it struggles.

If your fridge is a bit empty, placing a few water bottles inside can have the same effect. They help maintain a consistent temperature, keeping your food fresh and your energy use low.

Potential saving: £10 - £15/year

Turn your oven off early

Your oven doesn't instantly cool down when you switch it off—in fact, it stays hot for 5 to 10 minutes afterward. You can take advantage of this leftover heat by turning the oven off a few minutes before your food is fully done. The residual heat will continue to cook your meal without using extra electricity or gas. This not only helps reduce your overall cooking time and energy usage but also cuts down on wear and tear for your oven. It’s an easy habit that adds up over time, saving money on energy bills while delivering perfectly cooked food.

Potential saving: £20-£30/year

Use a toaster instead of the grill

Popping bread or snacks into the toaster instead of heating up the grill saves time and money. Toasters are designed to heat up quickly and focus energy directly on the food, so they use far less electricity and get the job done faster. While grills and ovens take longer to preheat, use more energy to maintain high temperatures, and often heat a larger space than necessary for a small item

Potential saving: £10-£25/year (depending on how often you use the grill)

Steam your veg over your rice or pasta

Maximise your hob’s energy by multitasking. When you’re boiling rice, pasta, or potatoes, place a steamer basket or colander over the same pot to cook your vegetables at the same time. This way, you’re using just one hob ring instead of two, cutting down on both cooking time and energy use. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t require any fancy equipment, just a basic steamer insert or even a heat-safe sieve with a lid.

Potential saving: £10–£20/year

Charge devices before bed (not overnight)

Plugging in your phone or laptop right before you sleep and letting it charge all night might seem convenient, but it’s not the most efficient - or healthiest - habit for your devices or energy use. Most modern devices only take a couple of hours to fully charge, so leaving them plugged in for 6 to 8 hours wastes energy as they continue to draw small amounts of power to stay at 100%. This “trickle charge” increases your electricity bill over time and can generate extra heat and wear down your battery faster. Charging for just the time needed, ideally in the evening before bed, helps reduce the amount of energy you use and extends the overall lifespan of your battery.

Potential saving: £5–£10/year per device (small individually, but it adds up with phones, tablets, laptops etc.)

Use the eco setting for heating water

Many boilers have an ‘eco’ mode that heats water to a slightly lower temperature or less often - perfect if you’re out all day. It’s perfect for those long days when you’re out of the house, so you’re not paying to keep water hot when you don’t need it. By making this simple switch, you’ll lower your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Potential saving: £30–£70/year (depending on how often you use hot water)

Air dry clothes in the bathroom

Tumble dryers are energy guzzlers, using a lot of electricity to dry your clothes. Skipping 2–3 loads a week and air drying in a warm, ventilated space can really save on bills. Air drying works because it relies on natural heat and airflow, which cost nothing and are gentler on your clothes. Plus, it reduces your carbon footprint, helps your clothes last longer, and keeps your energy bills in check. Just make sure to use a drying rack or line in a well-ventilated spot for the best results.

Potential saving: £60–£100/year (if you skip 2–3 dryer loads a week)

Double up when ironing

Ironing in bulk instead of in short bursts helps save energy by reducing the need to reheat the iron multiple times. When you tackle a bigger pile all at once, the iron stays hot for longer, using less power overall. This not only speeds up the process but also cuts down on wasted energy, making your ironing more efficient and cost-effective.

Potential saving: £5–£15/year

Keep the oven door shut

Opening the oven door can cause the temperature to drop by up to 25°C, forcing the oven to work harder to get back to the right heat. Instead of peeking inside, use the oven light and window to check on your food. This way, you keep the temperature steady and avoid using extra energy.

Potential saving: £10–£20/year

Small changes, real results

None of these tips mean giving things up; just using what you’ve got more cleverly. And when you add it all together, you could be looking at £200+ a year in energy savings without really cutting back.

If you’re struggling with your bills, find out about how to deal with energy arrears here or read our guide on grants, benefits and help with paying energy bills.