Octopus Energy’s eight hacks to save nearly £600 a year on your energy bill

The energy provider has shared eight ways to save hundreds of pounds

Octopus Energy have shared some key hacks to help reduce your energy consumption this year

As many families grapple with the cost of living as energy prices remain high for Brits across the UK, Octopus Energy has shared eight hacks which could help save up to £600 per year.

The energy provider summarised the best ways to try and save the pennies, alerting customers to some of the “quickest, simplest and most effective things” you can do to try and save energy around the house.

They said: “We’ve pulled together some of the quickest, simplest and most effective things you can do to save energy around the house.”

Below we will share those tips to try and help with the cost of living at the moment.

READ MORE: UK households urged to make simple swap to save up to £200 on your energy bill

1. Set your boiler’s flow temperature and save up to £65

The flow temperature of a boiler controls how hot the water is when it comes out of the boiler, but many are unknowingly set too high by default, the Express reported.

Lowering this setting between 55C and 60C can cut bills by up to 12per cent. According to Nesta, this could save around £65 a year, based on energy prices in September 2023.

For combi boilers, Octopus said set the temperature to 50C for heating and 55C for hot water. For boilers with hot water cylinders, Octopus said set the flow temp to just over 60C, and the cylinder to 60C, to reduce the risk of Legionella.

2. Air dry your washing and save £50

Avoiding the tumble dryer and using a clothes horse or outdoor line can save around £50 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Octopus suggested avoiding drying clothes on radiators, which makes boilers work harder.

3. Tackle draughts and save £80

Draughts from gaps around windows and doors can waste valuable heat. Identifying and sealing these with either DIY solutions or professional help could save up to an average of £80 annually.

Octopus added: “You’ll keep more heat in your home with less energy if you pull your blinds or curtains before it gets dark – up to 17% reduction in heat loss.”

4. Setting your thermostat temperature can make ALL the difference

Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can knock up to £90 off your bill, according to Energy Saving Trust. Octopus recommends setting it between 18C and 21C, and avoiding using it like an on/off switch.

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5. Insulae the hot water tank

Fitting an 80mm British Standard insulation jacket to your hot water cylinder can reduce heat loss and save £40 a year. Insulating hot water pipes adds extra savings, according to Octopus.

6. Turn off standby

Most appliances can be turned off at the plug without disrupting settings. Doing so can save around £45 each year.

7. Reduce time in the shower

Limiting showers to four minutes could save a typical household £60 annually, particularly if you have an electric or mixer shower.

8. LED lighting could save over £100

Lighting accounts for about 11% of household electricity use. LEDs use 70% to 80% less energy, and the Energy Saving Trust estimates households could save between £4 and £10 per bulb, per year.

Based on a typical household having around 34 bulbs in the home on average, making this change could save you £136 a year.

Switching off lights when not in use can save an additional £7 annually.

Combining all of these measures, households could save as much as £566 per year. Octopus said: “These tips have helped Octopus customers save over £5 million on their bills last winter, and the average home that tried them out in our Winter Workout challenge slashed their bill by 12%.”