The cost of energy has spiralled since the Iran war but there are some very simple lifestyle changes that could lower your monthly cost
Ten simple lifestyle changes could dramatically reduce your energy bills. The list of advice includes adapting when you put the washing machine on and when you heat water.
It comes as a third of Brits are unaware they could be paying less by using electricity at different times of the day – with just half understanding what ‘off-peak’ means.
A startling 34% of people didn’t know they could get cheaper electricity during ‘off-peak’ times, and just 50% knew what the term means, according to the findings from E.ON Next.
The survey revealed nearly two-fifths (38%) of people find price changes by time of day too complicated and difficult to remember the different off-peak windows, when electricity is cheaper.
Because of this a whopping 88% of the 1,000 people quizzed are put off using tariffs at all.
Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers account for 14% of a household’s energy bills, but using them at off-peak times can cut the cost of each cycle by up to 55%.
Off-peak times are often during the day and at night, while peak times are in the evenings between 4pm and 7pm because of the national energy demand.
There’s even a super off-peak time, overnight, which is considered the best time to charge up electronic devices.
E.ON Next is helping customers better understand potential savings, with households already saving more than £1.5 million by shifting electricity use 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 save money on your bills
- Shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours – Run washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours
- Time when you heat water – If you have an immersion heater, set it to heat during off-peak (or super off-peak) hours rather than during the day
- Charge devices in the evening – Charge phones, laptops and even power banks during this time for a small saving which adds up overtime
- Batch cook your meals – Make your meal prep in advance during off-peak hours in the oven, slow cooker or air fryer
- Avoid peak-time tumble drying – Drying clothes is energy-intensive so try and tumble dry your clothes when it’s off-peak (during the day). Or for even more savings skip the tumble dryer completely and air dry your clothes
- 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
- Install smart plugs or timers – Automate appliances to switch on during off-peak windows so you don’t have to think about it
- Reduce standby waste – Even on off-peak rates, wasted electricity is still wasted money so turn off unused devices at the mains
- Track your usage patterns – You don’t need to change everything at once but track your patterns and make small changes where you can
- 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.
To find out more about E.ON Next’s time of use tariff, visit https://www.eonnext.com/tariffs/next-smart-saver
