Recently, we asked you, our eSpares community, to share your money and energy-saving advice to help your fellow fixers cut down their energy bills and other household costs this winter. Well, you certainly delivered, and your tips are as varied (and in some cases hilarious!) as they are helpful.

So, if you’re looking for a way to save some dosh with your household appliances and beyond, read on. Your home will be an energy-efficient haven in no time, and it’s all thanks to you!

Cooking tips

• “Slow cookers and air fryers are great to use instead of the oven. They save a fortune in electricity.” – Laura Jones
• “When possible, use a slow cooker on the medium setting. It keeps the taste and flavours in too.” – Thomas Lamb
• “After I have used the oven to cook, I leave the oven door open to spread the heat around.” – Becky Louise Thomason
• “Batch cook so you are not using the oven every day!” – Sophie Marie Cartwright
• “Most things will cook in the microwave and it uses much less electricity than the oven.” – Debbie Bird
• “Place a lid on pots and pans when cooking on the hob. They will cook quicker and use less energy.” – Lynn Savage
• “Wash and prepare any fruit and veg that you aren’t going to use. Perfect for curries, soups and stews.” – Jacqueline
• “Use a steamer for food like potatoes and vegetables. It saves using a lot of pans on the hob.” – Vicky Metcalfe
• “Only boil enough water in the kettle for what you need. No need to fill it up for just a cuppa.” – Jo Calvert
• “Replace your grill and oven elements if needed. They’ll heat up faster and be more economical.” – Stephen Proctor
• “Freeze extras, then defrost in the fridge and microwave to reheat. Quick and cost-effective.” – Joanna Terry
• “Once a week or so, do a “what needs using?” dinner to cut down food waste.” – Norma Palmer
• “Visit a friend you know can cook… then sit looking at whatever they’re cooking with puppy dog eyes so they pity you and offer you a nice hot meal!” – Nigel Hollingsworth

Heating tips

• “Once finished cooking, leave the oven door open and the heat will warm the kitchen.” – Alison Postlethwaite
• “I am using oil-filled heaters instead of central heating. I keep the rooms that I am actually in warm, rather than the whole house.” – Susanne Newman
• “Adopt a couple of cuddly cats that always want to sleep on you!” – Charlie Brunton
• “Layers, layers, layers and a pair of fluffy socks work best for us.” – Emma Middleton
• “Put silver foil behind radiators to reflect the heat so you can turn it down a few degrees.” – Julie Jenkins-Jessup
• “Get a hoodie blanket for everyone in the family. So cosy and definitely reduces the use of heating in the evenings.” Viv Mc Carthy
• “I bought hot water bottles to tuck the kids up with at night, and thermal socks to keep them warmer!” – Elizabeth Kelly
• “Invest in a smart thermostat so you can operate your heating remotely via the internet using your phone or computer.” – Nadia Stanbridge
• “Turn your boiler heating temperature down by 1°C.” – Ana Louise Gatlish Harrison
• “Thermal curtains and draft excluders.” – Susan Swift
• “Use a heater just in the room you are in rather than heating the whole house.” – Jen Kallin
• “Hide the thermostat remote from the wife!” – Martin James Williams

Laundry tips

• “Use the weather app on your phone to plan laundry days around the dry weather.” – Natalie Osborne Thomason
• “I never run the washing machine with less than a full load.” – Angie Daly
• “I use a washing machine cleaner/descaler each month. It helps keep my machine in top condition and saves on energy too!” – Lynn Evans
• “I’m always up before dawn so I put my washing machine, dryer and dishwasher on then. It’s the cheapest time for electricity.” – Eamonn Foley
• “Use a heated airer as well as a dehumidifier when drying clothes. Dries washing much quicker.” – Donna Henry

Lighting tips

• “Fit LED lightbulbs. LED bulbs use much less energy than incandescent lighting.” – Bill Critchlow
• “I’m using sensor lighting around the home for the first time. Saves switching on the lights.” – Kirtsy Welch
• “Always turn electrical items and lights off when not needed.” – Holly Elliot
• “Light candles as they seem to warm the room as well as provide light.” – Michaela A Braisher

General tips

• “Buy a couple of smart plugs so you can set things on a timer rather than remembering to switch them off.” – Lauren Price
• “Make sure all appliances are switched off at the wall where possible.” Lyndsey Cooksey-was Berrow
• “Learn how to fix all your home appliances by watching YouTube videos.” – John Thompson
• “Search for discount codes before buying!” – Sam Macaree
• “I watch TV on my laptop instead, as it uses less electricity.” – Deanna Schoenecker
• “Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £95 a year on their energy bills!” – Karen Louise Priestley
• “Go round to a family member’s or friend’s house and use their washing machine, dryer and cooker instead!” – Michaela A Braisher

Tags: Appliance Energy, Energy Saving, Energy Saving Tips, Money Saving, Money Saving Advice, Money Saving Tips