This weekend (Sunday, 26th October), the clocks go back. While we all enjoy the extra hour in bed, it marks the official start of “dark evenings.” From now until March, our lights will be on much earlier in the day, often from 4pm onwards.
Lighting accounts for roughly 11% of the average household electricity bill. That might not sound like much, but with the current Price Cap hovering around £1,755, that 11% represents nearly £200 a year just to illuminate your home.
The LED Switch If you still have any old-fashioned incandescent or halogen bulbs in your home, swap them now. An LED bulb uses about 90% less energy than a traditional bulb.
- Example: Replacing just one 60W halogen bulb with a 6W LED can save you around £5–£7 per year.
- Scale it up: Multiply that by every bulb in your house (kitchen spots, living room lamps, hallway lights), and the savings are significant—potentially over £50 a year for a large house.
“Light Hygiene” Habits It sounds simple, but it is the easiest way to save:
- The Empty Room Rule: Make sure the whole family knows to flick the switch when they leave a room.
- Task Lighting: If you are reading or sewing, use a lamp close to you rather than lighting up the whole ceiling with 6 spotlights.
- Sensors: For outdoor security lights, ensure the motion sensor is adjusted so it doesn’t trigger every time a car drives past or a cat walks by.
For more tips on how to manage your energy usage this winter, visit our advice hub.
