​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Electrical Appliances

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Small amounts of electricity can add up over time. Being more mindful about how everyday appliances are used can help bring costs down.

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Switch appliances off fully:

Televisions, games consoles, microwaves and other devices may continue using electricity while left on standby. Switch them off at the wall when they are not needed, or use a switched extension lead so several devices can be turned off together.

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Make each wash count:
Run washing machines and dishwashers with a full load whenever possible. Washing clothes at 30°C will usually provide effective everyday cleaning while using less energy than a hotter cycle.

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Air-dry clothes where possible:
Tumble dryers use a considerable amount of electricity. Drying clothes outside, or using an indoor drying rack in a well-ventilated space, can reduce reliance on the dryer and help lower household energy use.

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This guidance has been compiled by The Veterans Charity using information available from trusted UK energy-advice sources.

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Additional Ways to Run Your Home More Efficiently

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Every household is different. The most effective changes are those that suit the property, the heating system and the health or mobility needs of the people living there. Reducing waste is important, but it should never come at the expense of warmth, safety or wellbeing. For older Veterans and people with long-term health conditions, the NHS recommends keeping regularly used rooms comfortably warm and, where possible, at a minimum of 18°C.

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Make your heating controls work around your routine:
Use the timer or programmer so that your heating comes on when it is genuinely needed, rather than running for longer than necessary. Thermostatic radiator valves can be used to keep frequently occupied rooms comfortable while reducing the heat in rooms that are used less often. A programmer, room thermostat and radiator controls can all help prevent unnecessary energy use.

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Keep the warmth inside your home:
Close internal doors between warmer and cooler areas, and draw curtains or blinds when it becomes dark. Make sure curtains are not hanging over radiators, as this can prevent heat from circulating properly. Check for draughts around letterboxes, loft hatches and unused fireplaces, and consider purpose-made radiator reflector panels behind radiators fitted to uninsulated outside walls.

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Do not block essential ventilation:
Draught-proofing should not cover permanent air vents, extractor fans or appliance flues. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes produce moisture, and inadequate ventilation can contribute to condensation, damp and mould. Report persistent damp, leaks or mould to your landlord or housing provider rather than assuming it is caused solely by how the home is being used.

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Insulate stored hot water:
If your home has a hot-water cylinder, check that it has a properly fitted insulating jacket. Insulating accessible hot-water pipes can also reduce the amount of heat lost before the water reaches your taps or radiators. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid covering thermostats, electrical connections or ventilation openings.

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Make better use of energy in the kitchen:
Only boil the amount of water you need, use lids on saucepans and match the size of the pan to the hob ring. Where suitable, a microwave can be more efficient than heating a full oven for a small meal or reheating a single portion. When using the oven, cooking more than one item at a time or preparing several meals together can make better use of the energy being consumed.

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Replace lighting gradually:
Turn lights off when rooms are not being used and replace older bulbs with LED alternatives as they reach the end of their life. LEDs use less electricity to provide the same amount of light and are one of the simpler improvements that can be made around the home.

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Use your smart meter as a guide:
A smart meter will not reduce energy use on its own, but its in-home display can help you see when consumption increases and identify appliances or habits that may be costing more than expected. It can also reduce the need for estimated bills by sending readings to the supplier automatically. Never switch off medical, safety or other essential equipment when checking your household’s background energy use.

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Check that your tariff suits the way you use energy:
Look at both the unit rate and the daily standing charge when comparing tariffs. Households with storage heaters, electric vehicles or other equipment that can be used during cheaper off-peak periods may benefit from a time-of-use tariff. However, these tariffs are not suitable for everyone, so compare the likely annual cost rather than relying on a headline monthly figure.

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Use appliance settings carefully:
Eco programmes on washing machines and dishwashers may take longer, but they are designed to reduce the amount of energy and water used. Clean filters regularly, use the highest suitable spin speed before drying clothes and avoid running half-empty machines. When replacing an appliance, compare both its A-to-G energy rating and its estimated electricity consumption rather than choosing on the rating alone.

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Check your home’s Energy Performance Certificate:
An Energy Performance Certificate, commonly known as an EPC, can help identify which improvements are likely to make the biggest difference to the property. Recommendations may include loft or wall insulation, improved heating controls, hot-water-cylinder insulation or more efficient lighting. Owners should use an accredited installer for major work, while tenants should speak to their landlord or housing provider before making permanent changes.

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