It has been a challenging week for people across Scotland as temperatures continue to drop below freezing and the first snowfall of the season reminds everyone how quickly the daily routine can be disrupted by the white stuff. However, new research from Go.Compare energy has found that 22 per cent of bill payers will be avoiding putting the heating on this Autumn in a bid to save money on their energy bills.
That figure jumps to more than one in four (27%) when it comes to those aged 45-54. Over 2,000 people took part in the survey, which asked about the measures households are taking to cut down their energy costs, with the results revealing the top 10 practical ways people are saving money.
10 ways to save money on energy bills
Turning the lights off when leaving the room remains the top step that people are taking to try and conserve energy, as well as having shorter showers, not filling the kettle to the top and washing clothes on a quicker setting.
Outside of the top ten, other steps people are taking include eating more cold meals instead of cooking, going to bed earlier and buying an electric blanket.
The results found that the top 10 ways people are trying to save on their energy this Autumn are:
- Turning off lights when you leave the room
- Putting the heating on less
- Turning off appliances when they’re not being used / in standby mode
- Not filling the kettle to the top
- Washing clothes on a lower setting
- Having quicker showers
- Changing light bulbs to LED bulbs
- Putting off turning on the heating altogether this Autumn
- Only heating certain rooms in the house and not others
- Using the slow cooker instead of an oven
The survey also found that, when it came to the difference between men and women, female respondents were more likely to employ these energy saving measures around the home. For example, the survey found that where 44 per cent of women are turning off appliances when they’re not being used / in standby mode, only 32 per cent of men are doing the same.
While 62 per cent of women said they were putting the heating on less, this again dropped to 54 per cent when it came to their male counterparts.
Gareth Kloet, spokesperson for Go.Compare energy, said of the research: “We’ve seen with the last few Price Cap announcements that the price of energy in the UK is still very much subject to fluctuation. So, to see that bill payers are taking matters into their own hands is great news. And while these energy saving tips may seem small in isolation, they can have a significant impact if they’re made into a habit and kept up over time.
“However, while some of the steps people said they were taking are sensible, the number of those who said they wouldn’t be putting the heating on is concerning – no one should be compromising on warmth this winter and more needs to be done to help people with their energy bills so that they don’t have to. Government guidelines state that for those who struggle with mobility, have a health condition or are 65 or over, should be heating the home to at least 18Celsius.”
He added: “If you are struggling to make payments on your energy bills, and are concerned as you head into the winter, speak to your energy provider as they have a duty to help you and work out a payment plan that will help you manage your outgoings.”
Go.Compare has compiled a list of practical things that you can do to save on your energy costs in the home, which you can find here.