Are YOU making these energy mistakes?
We all think we're doing the right thing when it comes to saving energy, but some common habits could be costing you hundreds of pounds a year. Here are some of the biggest energy mistakes you might be making (and how to fix them).
1. Leaving heating on low all day
The mistake: Thinking that leaving your heating on low constantly uses less energy than switching it on and off.
The truth: If you have a boiler, keeping it on constantly uses MORE energy. Heat pumps are different, but for most homes with boilers, it's cheaper to use timers and only heat when you need it. Set your heating to come on 30 minutes before you need it and switch off 30 minutes early to make use of residual heat.
2. Hand washing dishes to save energy
The mistake: Washing dishes by hand thinking it's more economical than using the dishwasher.
The truth: A full load on an eco setting uses less energy and water than hand washing the same amount of dishes. Only run your dishwasher when it's full, use the eco setting, and skip pre-rinsing (it's not necessary and wastes water).
3. Washing everything at 40 degrees
The mistake: Sticking to 40 degrees because you think 30 degrees won't clean properly.
The truth: Modern detergents work just as well at 30 degrees, and you'll save £27 a year by switching. Drop your washing temperature to 30 degrees for most loads and only use higher temperatures for heavily soiled items.
4. Ignoring vampire devices
The mistake: Leaving TVs, games consoles, laptops and other devices on standby mode or plugged in when not in use.
The truth: These "vampire" devices are draining £66+ a year from your bank account, even when you're not using them.
Here's what they're costing you:
- Games consoles: £7.30 a year left on standby for 20 hours a day
- TVs: £7.30 a year on standby for 20 hours a day
- Digital TV boxes: £35.04 a year on standby
- Smart speakers: £8.76 a year left on all day
- Microwaves: £2.63 a year (even when not in use)
- Phones and laptops left charging: £4.80 a year for 12 hours a day
Use smart plugs (around £8.99) or timer plugs (around £5) to easily switch off multiple devices. Switch off at the wall when you're not using them. If you have a smart meter, you can see exactly how much energy devices use as you switch them on and off.
5. Having your thermostat in the wrong place
The mistake: Not thinking about where your thermostat is positioned.
The truth: If your thermostat is near sunny windows or TVs, it thinks your whole house is warmer than it actually is. Make sure your thermostat is in a neutral spot away from heat sources. Set it between 18-21 degrees and turn it down by just 1 degree to save up to £90 on your energy bill.
6. Never bleeding your radiators
The mistake: Forgetting radiators need maintenance.
The truth: Trapped air reduces efficiency and creates cold spots. You should bleed them at least once a year (some experts say every few months). Check for cold spots and bleed your radiators. While you're at it, might as well vacuum away dust buildup and make sure furniture isn't blocking them.
7. Not checking your boiler flow temperature
The mistake: Never touching your boiler settings because you're not sure what they do,
The truth: Most boilers are set too high at around 70-80 degrees. You could save up to £65 a year by adjusting this. Check out Nesta's Money-Saving Boiler Challenge for more guidance.
8. Tumble drying everything
The mistake: Using the tumble dryer for every load because it's convenient.
The truth: Ditching the tumble dryer could save you £50 a year. Use a washing line during warmer months or a drying rack in the warmest room with good ventilation. If you're worried about mould, use a dehumidifier rather than your tumble dryer. And never dry clothes on radiators - it makes your boiler work harder.
9. Overfilling the kettle
The mistake: Filling the kettle to the top every time you make a cuppa.
The truth: Only boiling what you need can save you up to £10 a year. Just fill it with the amount of water you actually need. A simple way to save!
10. Thinking it's all down to you
The mistake: Believing that if you just try hard enough, you can make your energy bills affordable, all on your own.
The truth: You can do everything right and your bills could still be painfully high. Energy prices are higher than ever right now, and that’s not because people aren’t trying hard enough to save. It’s because the system itself is broken. It’s already wasted £1.3billion this year alone. The biggest energy mistake isn’t the one you’re making. It’s the ones being made for you.
That’s why we fight to keep our prices as low as possible, and share as much useful advice as we can. Every pound matters but we know the deepest solutions don’t lie in how far you turn down your thermostat. It’s in transforming the energy industry.
Published on 11th December 2025 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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