Damage limitation: simple ways to cut a spiralling energy bill

theguardian.com:

British homes will soon be hit with huge spikes in energy costs. Is there a way to beat the rises? Probably not completely. But although the UK’s housing is the least energy-efficient in western Europe, there are ways to ensure bills are not as bad as they could be.

According to energy supplier Utilita, households will typically be able to save £321 a year by turning the heating down by just1C from 1 October – the date when the new energy price cap takes effect. This tip would result in a typical saving of £158 even before the price cap rise comes into force.

Running anything other than a full machine means that you are likely to have to do additional loads and run up further bills. Utilita says that if you stick to using your washing machine at maximum efficiency, then you could save £17 a year.

Washing clothes at higher temperatures will use more energy, so savings can be made when you turn down the dial. The Energy Saving Trust says that washing at 30C, rather than 40C or higher, will save 40% of the energy used every year, and that modern washing powders and detergents will work effectively at lower temperatures.

A tumble dryer will run up more costs, so try to air-dry on a clothes horse or washing line. Utilita says there is a £116 saving to be made.

If you do have to use the tumble dryer, spin clothes at the highest cycle in the washing machine before putting them in.

This will typically save you almost £100 a year, says Utilita, and unplugging devices at the mains will make sure they are not adding to your bill unnecessarily. Some gadgets are often left on all the time barely noticed by the householder, such as computers, media servers, set-top boxes, heated towel rails and underfloor heating – collectively known as the