Suggestions for reducing electric useage.

Poppycat

I keep electrical items like tv, amp, pvr (all the entertainment system in living room) on a switch able extended socket. I got it from Wilkos for £5 each appliance has its own on/off switch. I put in in a position where you can easily get to it, so I can swicth off items I dont need everyday like the amp, wii etc. Then at bedtime turn it all of at the main socket. It may take ages to recoup the money back though

sparklewing

Thanks again everyone. We are planning to get an alarm installed, can't have a motion sensor due to Mr Kitty but will be getting the window and door sensors, just waiting until after next week as we are getting new windows fitted.

libra10

I think your electricity readings seem quite low. We are in a similar situation to yourselves, in mostly during the days, TV on a few hours a day, computer also. Use the cooker about once a day, washing machine runs about 3 times a week. I also record weekly fuel readings on a spreadsheet. My electricity units are usually 73, 74, 75 approximately. We have fitted low-energy light bulbs.

We are with EBICO for both gas and electricity and find that electricity costs just over £100 per quarter.

Ice_2

I actually rang ebico/southern electric today on there free phone number...they say they have a care tariff which gives you an extra 20% off your normal bill if you tick all the boxes usually you have to be either over 60 or disabled or on a low income...worth a try but also check what tariff you would be getting on ebico if you decide to swap with them as it varies which part of the country you live in...don't ask me why...but it does...:Doh regards the turning everything off on a night my brothers tv went up in smoke one night 50" HD READY LCD SONY BRAVIAR so that's why I suggest you turn things off from past experience with family members ...:D

Ice_2

also when I spoke to ebico/southern electric on friday I asked when there prices would be going up as everyone else's was he said they made a promise to all there customer's not to raise the price's until after 31st march so that good news all round...:j:D

Mazio_2

I have found (in my house) the big power usage items are electric heaters, tumble dryer, dishwasher, washing machine and if used enough times or prolong periods electric shower, hair dryer, electric kettle ( I now use microwave with cup full of water) TV, light bulbs and if you have fast PC newer one some of these are now very power hungry. This will not be the case in all house bearing in mind I have 4 children and 2 teenagers so nearly some one in the house every day and your circumstances are different but I hope this helps.

Poppycat

Thats interesting to know about the 20% off if you have a low income or have some one disabled

I just done a quick guide based on last months 25/12 to 25/01 consumption of gas and electric with SP

SP
Gas 2652 kwh £67.14 + vat (prices now gone up as of today)
Elec 505 kwh £40.76 + Vat (prices now gone up as of today)


Ebico
Gas 2652 kwh £67.62 inc VAT
Elec 505 kwh £47.06 ex vat (Yorkshire region)

Also I get a discount on that bill of £6.14 for dual fuel online energy saver 2

Ice wrote: »

I actually rang ebico/southern electric today on there free phone number...they say they have a care tariff which gives you an extra 20% off your normal bill if you tick all the boxes usually you have to be either over 60 or disabled or on a low income...worth a try but also check what tariff you would be getting on ebico if you decide to swap with them as it varies which part of the country you live in...don't ask me why...but it does...:Doh regards the turning everything off on a night my brothers tv went up in smoke one night 50" HD READY LCD SONY BRAVIAR so that's why I suggest you turn things off from past experience with family members ...:D

Poppycat

I agree electric heaters, tumble dryer and power hungry even a pc used mainly for gaming can be power house, but dishwasher and washing machine. If you get a A+ rated and didnt have it on say 2-3 washers a day every day same with dishwasher it shouldnt be too bad. We tend to wash one load a day and dishwasher every other day or so, its rated A+ is the dishwasher not sure on the washing machine as we didnt buy that

I try and buy A or A+ rated appliances when possible, even if it costs a little bit more. I wouldnt spend large amounts like you can for a tumble dryer with A rating as they are £500+

Mazio wrote: »

I have found (in my house) the big power usage items are electric heaters, tumble dryer, dishwasher, washing machine and if used enough times or prolong periods electric shower, hair dryer, electric kettle ( I now use microwave with cup full of water) TV, light bulbs and if you have fast PC newer one some of these are now very power hungry. This will not be the case in all house bearing in mind I have 4 children and 2 teenagers so nearly some one in the house every day and your circumstances are different but I hope this helps.

Mazio_2

Poppycat wrote: »

I agree electric heaters, tumble dryer and power hungry even a pc used mainly for gaming can be power house, but dishwasher and washing machine. If you get a A+ rated and didnt have it on say 2-3 washers a day every day same with dishwasher it shouldnt be too bad. We tend to wash one load a day and dishwasher every other day or so, its rated A+ is the dishwasher not sure on the washing machine as we didnt buy that

I try and buy A or A+ rated appliances when possible, even if it costs a little bit more. I wouldnt spend large amounts like you can for a tumble dryer with A rating as they are £500+

I totally agree about A+ but they will use far more then say keeping appliances on standby but you would still have to use the eco settings on the dishwasher its the wash temp and drying cycle that can use a fair bit or 30c for washing machine and how many times you use it. These appliances can use up to 3 kilowatt an hour ( 3 units) on certain settings of course they don't use the maximum electricity through out the cycle only certain sections and programs. So what I mean is if not put onto the right settings they have the potential to use more power then you think.