Energy prices have risen significantly in recent years, making electricity consumption a real concern for UK households. While some measures require an electrician, many energy-saving steps are practical DIY actions.
Switch to LED Lighting Throughout
LED bulbs use around 75–85% less energy than the halogen and incandescent bulbs they replace. If you have any halogen downlights remaining, replacing them with LED equivalents typically saves £150–£250 per year for a typical home with 15–20 downlights.
LEDs also last 15–20 times longer, reducing replacement costs.
Smart Heating Controls
A significant portion of your electricity bill may go on electric heating — panel heaters, electric underfloor heating, or electric towel rails. Smart thermostats and programmable controls can dramatically reduce consumption by only heating spaces when needed.
A basic programmable thermostat for electric heating typically pays for itself within a year.
Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Many energy suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs (such as Octopus Go) where electricity is cheaper overnight. Running washing machines, dishwashers and EV chargers overnight on a smart timer can significantly reduce bills — particularly if you charge an electric vehicle.
Fix Electrical Faults That Waste Energy
Some electrical faults directly waste energy:
- Failing immersion heater thermostat — can cause continuous heating of hot water
- Corroded connections — create resistance and heat, wasting energy
- Old, inefficient boiler controls — an electrician can install modern, more efficient controls
Upgrade Old Electric Storage Heaters
Original Economy 7 storage heaters are inefficient and offer poor control. Modern high heat retention storage heaters are significantly more efficient and can be controlled via app. An electrician can check your existing wiring is suitable for modern units.
Check Your Consumer Unit for Outdated Equipment
Old consumer units sometimes have poorly rated components that draw excess current or fail to protect efficiently. A modern RCBO board with correctly rated protection for each circuit is both safer and marginally more efficient.
Solar PV and Battery Storage
For longer-term savings, solar PV panels with battery storage allow you to generate and store your own electricity. An electrician handles the connection to your consumer unit and metering. Returns depend on roof orientation, usage patterns and tariff.
Get an Electrical Survey
If your electricity bills seem unusually high, an electrician can carry out a survey to identify any wiring faults, poorly performing equipment or inefficient appliances contributing to excess consumption.
Onyx Electrical Solutions provides electrical surveys and upgrades across Greater Manchester. Call 07000 000000.