Easy Ways to Save Energy: 10 Proven Tips

Anyone who’s opened an electricity bill lately already knows the sting. The good news is that some of the most effective savings don’t require a big investment — just a few smart habits and a little planning.

Lower thermostat by 1°C: Saves up to 10% on heating ·
Replace five most-used bulbs with LEDs: Saves about $40 per year ·
Standby power: Can account for 10% of home electricity use ·
Heating and cooling: Nearly 60% of home energy consumption ·
Tumble dryer per load: Costs around €0.50 to €1.00 in Ireland

Five key facts at a glance, one pattern: heating and standby power alone account for the lion’s share of what you pay.

What are 10 ways to save energy?

Switch to LED lighting

• Replace your five most-used bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified LEDs and save about $40 a year in energy costs (Energy Star, US efficiency programme). Traditional bulbs use about six times as much electricity as LEDs (Bord Gáis Energy, Irish supplier).
• Make the most of natural daylight to reduce the need for artificial lighting (Energia).

Adjust thermostat settings

• Turning the thermostat down by 1°C can cut overall heating energy usage by up to 10% (Energia). Set heating and hot water to run only when needed (Electric Ireland).
• Keep doors closed and use curtains to trap heat indoors (Energia).

Unplug electronics

• Devices left on standby can account for up to 10% of a household electricity bill (Electric Ireland). Switch them off at the plug to stop that drain.
• Consider smart plugs to track energy-hungry appliances and find ways to cut back (Electric Ireland).

Use appliances efficiently

• Wait for a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher (Consumer Council, UK consumer advice body). Wash clothes at 30°C if possible and use eco settings (Bord Gáis Energy). Using a cooler wash cycle (30°C) can cut washing machine energy use by up to 40% (Bonkers.ie).
• A-rated appliances use around 55% less energy than D-rated models (Electric Ireland).

Seal drafts and insulate

• Insulating a hot water tank with a lagging jacket can pay for itself in a few months (Electric Ireland).
• Check windows and doors for drafts — sealing them keeps heat in and reduces heating demand.

The strategy is clear: small adjustments to lighting, heat, and standby habits produce outsized savings without any major expense.

What runs your electric bill up the most?

Heating and cooling systems

Heating accounts for up to 60% of home energy use in Ireland (SEAI, Ireland’s national energy authority). That’s the single biggest slice of your bill.

Water heating

Electric water heating can be 12–15% of an electricity bill (SEAI). A 10-minute shower costs about €0.30 in Ireland (Bonkers.ie). Reduce to 5 minutes and save up to €50 per year (SEAI). Showers are five times more energy efficient than baths (Energia).

Appliances in standby mode

Standby power can contribute up to 10% of household electricity costs (Electric Ireland). Even a kettle in standby uses less than 0.5 W (less than €0.01 per year) but the real drain comes from older devices.

Old inefficient refrigerators

Older refrigerators (pre-2000) can use twice as much energy as modern Energy Star models (Energy Star). If your fridge is over 15 years old, replacing it with an A-rated model could save €50–100 annually.

The implication: focus on the big three — heating, water heating, and standby — before worrying about minor gadgets.

How can I reduce my electricity bill in Ireland?

Switch to a cheaper energy tariff

Check whether you are on the cheapest tariff and billing method for your needs (Consumer Council, UK consumer advice body). Compare suppliers on sites like Bonkers.ie — switching can save €200–300 per year.

Use smart heating controls

Programmable thermostats let you heat only when needed. The ’30 minute heating rule’ is a simplification; experts recommend using timers and zone controls instead (Energy Saving Trust, UK energy advisory body).

Insulate your home

SEAI offers grants for attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, and heating controls. Improved insulation can reduce heating needs by 20–30%.

Reduce shower time and temperature

Reducing shower time from 10 to 5 minutes can save up to €50 per year (SEAI). Lowering water temperature from 60°C to 50°C saves energy while remaining safe.

The pattern is clear: quick wins from tariff switching and shower reductions complement deeper retrofits for lasting savings.

What is the 30 minute heating rule?

The idea that heating a room for 30 minutes is more efficient than leaving it on constantly is not universally supported. Experts advise using a programmable thermostat to heat only when you’re home (Energy Saving Trust). Turning off heating when not needed saves 10–15% on bills (SEAI).

The takeaway: rely on timers and controls, not a one-size-fits-all rule of thumb.

Does leaving a kettle plugged in use electricity?

How much standby power does a kettle use?

A typical kettle in standby consumes less than 0.5 W, costing less than €0.01 per year (Energy Saving Trust). The main energy use comes from boiling water, not standby (Bonkers.ie). So unplugging a kettle won’t make a noticeable difference — focus on the bigger standby culprits like TVs, game consoles, and set-top boxes.

The implication: prioritize switching off high-drain devices, not the kettle.

Which appliance is a real energy drainer?

Four appliances, one pattern: age and type determine how much they cost to run.

The trade-off: tumble dryers and old fridges are the biggest energy hogs. Running a full load on a cold day might be unavoidable, but replacing a pre-2000 fridge with an A-rated model pays back within a few years.

Easy steps to start saving today

1. Turn your thermostat down 1°C. That single degree can cut 10% off your heating bill (Energia).
2. Switch to LED bulbs in the five rooms you use most. Save about $40 (€35) per year (Energy Star).
3. Unplug devices not in use – or use a smart power strip to kill standby power. Standby can be 10% of your bill (Electric Ireland).
4. Wash clothes at 30°C and only when full. Cooler washes cut machine energy use by up to 40% (Bonkers.ie).
5. Replace your oldest refrigerator if it’s over 15 years old. Modern A-rated fridges use half the energy.

Expert perspectives

Heating is the biggest single use of energy in Irish homes, accounting for up to 60% of consumption.

— SEAI energy advisor

Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR certified lights can save about $40 a year in energy costs.

— ENERGY STAR programme

For Irish households, the choice is clear: focus on heating controls, LED lighting, and standby power. Together they can cut a typical annual bill by €200–€300 without major expense. Or keep paying for heat that leaks out through drafts and devices that hum all night.

Related reading: Best Exercises for Energy

Learning how to lower your electricity bill starts with small changes, and knowing how to compare energy tariffs effectively can lead to even greater savings.

Frequently asked questions