The best Sustainability and home energy Swaps/Tips for the home

Some of the best sustainability swaps also save money. These practical changes can help households reduce energy use, waste and everyday spending, with many costing little or nothing to adopt.

Here, we share some of the best tips to reduce your energy consumption and energy bills.

Switch off at the wall

“Leaving appliances on standby is an easy habit to overlook. Some TVs, games consoles and set-top boxes continue drawing electricity when they are not in use, often referred to as ‘vampire energy’.

“Switching devices off standby could save households in Great Britain around £45 a year. Turn suitable appliances off at the wall when you have finished using them, checking the manufacturer’s instructions first. Leave appliances that need continuous power, such as fridges and freezers, switched on.”

Use the tumble dryer less

“Using a tumble dryer less often can cut electricity costs, particularly if you have an older, less efficient model. The savings depend on your appliance and how frequently you use it.

“Line-drying outdoors avoids electricity use for drying. If you dry clothes indoors, choose a well-ventilated space and manage moisture to prevent condensation. If you need the dryer, follow its recommended load size and filter-cleaning instructions.”

Take shorter showers

“Shorter showers reduce the amount of water that needs heating. Keeping showers to four minutes could save a household in Great Britain around £45 a year on energy bills. Households with a water meter may also save on water and sewerage charges.

“A short shower can also use less water than a bath, although the difference depends on the shower’s flow rate and how long you stay in it. A compatible water-efficient showerhead may help further, but check that it is suitable for your shower before fitting one.”

Turn down the boiler flow temperature

“If you have a condensing combi boiler, try reducing the radiator flow temperature to around 60°C, provided your home still reaches a comfortable temperature. This is the temperature of the water sent to your radiators, rather than the temperature set on your room thermostat.

“A lower flow temperature can help the boiler recover more heat through condensation and operate more efficiently. Research cited by Energy Saving Trust suggests an efficiency improvement of nearly 4%, although the financial saving depends on your starting settings, heating needs and tariff.

“Your rooms may take longer to warm up, so adjust gradually and increase the setting if needed. If you have a hot-water cylinder, seek advice before changing the boiler temperature, as it must remain high enough to heat stored water safely.”

Draught-proof your home

“Unwanted gaps around windows and external doors allow heat to escape. Draught-proofing these areas could save around £55 a year on heating bills in Great Britain.

“Foam strips, brush seals and draught excluders can be affordable ways to tackle suitable gaps yourself. Check letterboxes and keyholes too, but keep intentional ventilation, including air bricks, extractor fans and trickle vents, clear.”

Try reusable alternatives to cling film

“Beeswax wraps can replace cling film for some uses, such as wrapping sandwiches or covering suitable foods. They can be cleaned and reused according to the manufacturer’s instructions, helping reduce disposable plastic waste.

“The financial saving depends on how much cling film you currently buy and how long the wraps last. Before buying anything new, consider whether containers or lids you already own could do the same job.”

Swap old bulbs for LEDs

“If you still have halogen bulbs, replacing them with suitable LEDs can reduce electricity use. Energy Saving Trust estimates that replacing a home’s remaining halogen spotlights could save around £45 a year in Great Britain, although your saving will depend on how many you replace and how often they are used.

“Choose bulbs with the right brightness, fitting and colour temperature, and check compatibility with any dimmer switches.”

Buy second-hand where you can

“Buying second-hand clothes, furniture and household items keeps useful goods in circulation. When these purchases replace buying new, they can also help reduce demand for new manufacturing.

“Charity shops, online marketplaces and local swap events can offer quality items for less than their new equivalents. Well-made furniture can be particularly good value: solid wood pieces can often be repaired, refinished or repurposed.

“The common thread is that many sustainable habits can also reduce everyday spending. Start with the changes that suit your household, use what you already own and build from there.”