Cut the cost of your energy bills with 10 easy changes – avoid one appliance | Personal Finance | Finance

Ten straightforward lifestyle adjustments could substantially slash your energy bills. The guidance includes changing when you run the washing machine and when you heat water.

This comes as a third of Britons are unaware they could be spending less by consuming electricity at different times throughout the day – with only half understanding what ‘off-peak’ means.

A striking 34% of people didn’t realise they could access cheaper electricity during ‘off-peak’ periods, and just 50% understood what the term means, according to findings from E.ON Next.

The research showed nearly two-fifths (38%) of people find price fluctuations by time of day overly complicated and struggle to remember the various off-peak windows, when electricity costs less.

As a result, a staggering 88% of the 1,000 respondents surveyed are deterred from using such tariffs altogether.

Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers represent 14% of a household’s energy expenditure, but operating them at off-peak times can reduce the cost of each cycle by up to 55%.

Off-peak periods are typically during the day and at night, while peak times fall in the evenings between 4pm and 7pm due to national energy demand.

There’s also a super off-peak period, overnight, which is regarded as the optimal time to charge electronic devices.

E.ON Next is assisting customers to better grasp potential savings, with households already saving more than £1.5 million by moving electricity usage outside of peak hours on its Next Smart Saver tariff. Julian Lennertz at E.ON Next said: “With household bills still under pressure, it’s understandable households remain concerned about energy costs, which is why we’re committed to help people save money through small changes.

“Our customers have collectively saved more than £1.5 million so far on Next Smart Saver, proving that smarter energy use can make a real difference to household bills.

“Sometimes the change is surprisingly simple. Running your washing machine or tumble dryer outside peak hours could cut electricity costs by more than half.”

Ten ways to reduce spending on your bills

1. Move energy-heavy tasks to off-peak times – Operate washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak periods
2. Schedule your water heating – If you have an immersion heater, programme it to heat during off-peak (or super off-peak) periods instead of throughout the day
3. Power up devices in the evening – Charge mobile phones, laptops and even power banks during these hours for modest savings which accumulate over time
4. Prepare meals in bulk – Complete your meal preparation ahead of time during off-peak periods using your oven, slow cooker or air fryer
5. Skip peak-time tumble drying – Clothes drying consumes significant energy so attempt to tumble dry your garments during off-peak times (throughout the day). Or for greater savings abandon the tumble dryer altogether and air dry your clothing
6. Pre-cool or pre-heat your home – If you use electric heating or an air conditioning unit, run it slightly more during off-peak hours to get your home to the right temperature
7. Install smart plugs or timers – Automate appliances to switch on during off-peak windows so you don’t have to think about it
8. Reduce standby waste – Even on off-peak rates, wasted electricity is still wasted money so turn off unused devices at the mains
9. Track your usage patterns – You don’t need to change everything at once but track your patterns and make small changes where you can
10. Install a smart thermostat or radiator valves – Smart heating controls can automatically adjust your heating to align with cheaper, off‐peak rates and give you more precise control over temperatures in each room, helping you avoid wasting energy.

Savings will vary depending on your home and tariff. Always follow manufacturer guidance and consider what’s practical and safe for your household.