Energy-saving tips from Utilita

Energy-Saving Tips from Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith:

As the nation eases out of lockdown, after a year of working, living and home schooling in the same four walls, many of us may be looking to spring clean our homes ready for the summer months of freedom that lay ahead.

But how can you spring clean your home cost effectively? Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith, Edinburgh, shares some tips:

1. Make use of the natural light –after polishing the windows from the inside, why not show off your hard work by pulling up the blinds and letting the natural light come in – saving £14 by switching off lights.
2. Turning electricals off at the plug – as you spring clean your way room-to-room, check that unused electricals are switched off at the power source to save £30.
3. Turn the heating down – Whilst clearing out the boiler cupboard, spend a couple of minutes readjusting the temperature for the summer months – by turning the heating down by just one degree, you could save £80!
4. Refresh the fridge and freezer – it’s easy to forget that the fridge and freezer are constantly consuming energy. Cleaning the fridge, especially at the back, will allow air to circulate more freely and use less energy.

Debra also explained the money saving advantages of washing at low temperatures: “Before you pop those bedsheets in the wash, did you know you could save £9 by simply switching from 40C / 60C to 30C – it might not sound like a lot, but when combined with our four other energy-saving tips with Energy High 5, you could save up to £163 per year. Not bad!

“And did you know that stains are not impacted by the temperature of the water? Instead, it’s about carefully breaking down of any residue on the item. You only need a higher temperature wash (40C / 60C degrees) for heavily soiled items, such as muddy football socks. If you rinse the soiled item under the tap before popping them into the wash, you could wash at a lower temperature – helping to save money!”

Working in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and National Energy Action, Utilita – the only energy company created to help households use less energy – prepares monthly advice that every household can put into action, at no cost, to save up to £163 each year on their energy bills with its Energy High 5 movement.