The heating is off, the sun is out, but your energy bill still looks like it belongs to winter. Sound familiar? Many homes keep winter habits for too long. Heating stays on when it’s not needed, lights are left on all day, and appliances run when no one is using them.
Spring is the perfect time to change these habits and cut energy waste. A few simple changes reduce bills without losing comfort.
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Make Changes
Cold months mean high energy use. As the weather improves, many homes keep the same habits. This leads to wasted energy and higher costs.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, small changes can cut yearly energy bills by up to £250. Acting now stops waste and saves money before summer arrives.
Most homes waste energy in three ways:
- Heating stays on too long because spring weather changes quickly
- Lights and appliances run as if it’s still winter
- Standby power drains electricity from devices left plugged in
Fixing these issues reduces energy use immediately.
Optimise Heating and Save Money
Spring weather changes fast. Many people leave heating on “just in case”, but this wastes energy. Lowering the thermostat by one degree cuts heating costs by 10%.
Heating should only be used when needed. Setting timers keeps the house warm when necessary and off when it’s not. A smart thermostat adjusts heating based on the weather and your routine.
Sunlight is free heat. Open curtains during the day to warm your home naturally. Close them at night to trap warmth inside.
Eliminate Hidden Power Drains
Many appliances use electricity even when turned off. These phantom loads make up 10% of a household’s energy use, according to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The biggest culprits include:
- TVs, gaming consoles, and smart speakers left on standby
- Chargers plugged in with no device attached
- Kitchen appliances with LED displays that stay on all day
To stop this waste, unplug devices or use smart plugs to cut power when not in use.
Upgrade Lighting and Reduce Costs
Spring brings longer days, but many homes keep using artificial lights out of habit. Traditional bulbs waste 90% of their energy as heat, while LEDs use 75% less power and last much longer.
Switching to LED bulbs lowers electricity use instantly. Smart lighting turns off lights when no one is in the room. Arranging furniture near windows maximises natural daylight and reduces energy use.
Spring Clean Appliances Improve Efficiency
Appliances work harder when dirty, using more energy than needed. A quick spring clean improves performance and cuts costs.
Key maintenance tasks include:
- Defrosting your freezer to stop it overworking
- Descaling kettles and washing machines to improve efficiency
- Cleaning behind your fridge to remove dust and help cooling
A few minutes of cleaning lowers energy use and prevents future issues.
Save Energy When Doing Laundry and Dishes
Laundry and dishwashing use more electricity than expected. A few small changes cut waste without effort.
Washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C saves up to 40% of energy. Running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers gets the most from each cycle. Tumble dryers use large amounts of electricity, so air-drying clothes reduces costs instantly.
These changes keep bills low without extra work.
Smart Energy Upgrades That Pay for Themselves
Smart home technology removes waste automatically. While there is an upfront cost, savings continue every month.
The best smart upgrades include:
- Smart thermostats that adjust heating to fit your schedule
- Energy monitors that show real-time electricity use
- Smart plugs that turn off standby devices
These upgrades reduce costs with no effort after installation.
When to Call an Electrician
If energy bills stay high despite making changes, your home’s electrical system may be the issue. Old wiring, outdated fuse boxes, and poor circuits waste energy without you noticing.
An electrician can check for:
- A modern consumer unit that improves efficiency
- Rewiring to stop energy leaks
- Additional sockets to avoid overloading circuits
Fixing these problems prevents waste and lowers costs long term. If something seems off, getting it checked now can save money later.
Start Saving Now
Lowering your energy bill isn’t about giving things up. It’s about cutting waste, making smart choices, and upgrading where needed. These changes save money without changing your lifestyle.
Would you leave a tap running all day? No. Then why let energy-draining appliances waste electricity?
Making small adjustments now means lower bills, a more efficient home, and less stress about rising costs.
If you need home energy upgrades, extra sockets, or an electrical check, AS Electrical Services is ready to help. Get in touch today and start saving money while keeping your home comfortable.