HELP - How do I reduce my electric usage?!

PItchy

In the last 3 years my electric usage has apparently increased by 67%!!!!! Nothing has changed other than installing under floor heating in a small bathroom & toilet 2years ago. I'm all electric so water boiler and a couple of oil filled radiators run off the electric but I just can't understand why the increase, the knock on affect with general price increase has seen my bills increase by 87% in the time!! (and I've searched for best offers)
N Power chart suggests I am using 158% MORE electric than similar surrounding properties but despite requesting a smart meter they say I cant have one yet (we are in flats so possibly why..?!)


Please - can anyone suggest WHY my usage may increase despite no change in living circumstances or HOW I can find out?

DavyJones61

Nothing has changed other than installing under floor heating in a small bathroom & toilet 2years ago

But something has changed.

SALTburn64

Can you get solar panels fitted ?

JJ_Egan

Reduce by turning everything off .
Check meter readings and monitor appliance heating etc use .
Smart meter wont help it will only tell you what you are using .

JohnB47

How do you use your bathroom under floor heating?


Ours is on a timer - an hour before we get up each morning. Off at all other times. Off totally during June to Sept.


Looks like you are using yours more often, or all day?


I did a quick search for typical costs (very difficult to find - I wonder why??)


The site I found gave figures for 2016, 'bathroom and hall' 25% duty cycle, on for 12 hours a day at 12p per Kwh, total 54p per day. Obviously that's for their product, so figures will vary.


54p per day, all year round is £16 per month, £197 per year.


Does that explain your increased usage?

PItchy

Yes - only this change which does not account for a 67% increase.

PItchy

Unfortunately not - we are in a block of flats :-(

matelodave

As others have said the only way to save energy is to use less.

How often do you read your meter and check your bills - you should do it at least once a month you'd then see what it happening. Do it once a week and you'll get a much better idea of what is using it all and when.

Underfloor heating and oil filled radiators are probably the most expensive way to heat your flat, especially if you have economy 7 where daytime and evening energy costs a lot more than the off peak overnight rate.

You dont need a smart meter, you just need to be smart yourself by working out what is using it and doing something about it - turn stuff off, turn stuff down and use less.

How is your hot water heated, overnight or during the day. Do you have an electric shower, if so reduce your showering time and have fewer showers. Make sure that you only use your washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer with full loads, they cost the same to run as when half empty. Rinse stuff (including your hands) with cold water dont use the hot tap unless it's really necessary

You could benefit from low energy lightbulbs, especially if you've halogen downlighters in the kitchen or bathroom.

Dont leave stuff like the TV, video recorder, playstation, computers, printers etc on standby, turn it off at the wall - it's surprising how much you can save by just turning stuff off when it's not being used.

If you get into the habit of recording your consumption, do everyday for 2-3weeks you'll be able to see how well your energy saving measures are working.

Unfortunately it's too late to benefit as much over the next six months because your energy consumption will be much lower in the summer than it was during the winter but getting the energy saving habit will help when next winter comes.

PItchy

JohnB47 wrote: »

How do you use your bathroom under floor heating?


Ours is on a timer - an hour before we get up each morning. Off at all other times. Off totally during June to Sept.


Looks like you are using yours more often, or all day?


I did a quick search for typical costs (very difficult to find - I wonder why??)


The site I found gave figures for 2016, 'bathroom and hall' 25% duty cycle, on for 12 hours a day at 12p per Kwh, total 54p per day. Obviously that's for their product, so figures will vary.


54p per day, all year round is £16 per month, £197 per year.


Does that explain your increased usage?

Our increase is £600 per year!! And the increase in usage started before we had this fitted, I will switch it off completely though and monitor usage, thanks :-)

matelodave

You really need to be comparing consumption in kwh. Energy prices have risen significantly over the past few years so just comparing prices without actually knowing whether it's your consumption or price that's risen makes it difficult to work out what is going on.

I use 7200kwh a year, so just 1p/kwh increas adds £72 to my leccy bill. When Octopus took over from IRESA, my cost/kwh increased by 3p = £216 without actually increasing my consumption. I'm now with EverSmart and saving 3p/kwh again.

So perhaps you also need to examine your tariff and see if you can get a better deal, either with your existing supplier or someone else. Put your annual consumption figure into a comparison site to see whats available

PItchy

matelodave wrote: »

You really need to be comparing consumption in kwh. Energy prices have risen significantly over the past few years so just comparing prices without actually knowing whether it's your consumption or price that's risen makes it difficult to work out what is going on.

I use 7200kwh a year, so just 1p/kwh increas adds £72 to my leccy bill. When Octopus took over from IRESA, my cost/kwh increased by 3p = £216 without actually increasing my consumption. I'm now with EverSmart and saving 3p/kwh again.

So perhaps you also need to examine your tariff and see if you can get a better deal, either with your existing supplier or someone else. Put your annual consumption figure into a comparison site to see whats available

Yes this is usage based on kwh - in 2015 it was 4088 p/year and last year was 6831 - with the increase in rates my bill has increased from £610 pa to £1136 pa. I have researched best rates and my tariff is best I can get.