Energy bills represent significant household expenses, averaging €1,817.12 annually in Ireland as of 2025. Here are 25 practical strategies for reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs.
1. Switching Providers: The #1 Way to Save Energy Costs
Many Irish households remain on default tariffs without regularly comparing offers. Energy providers frequently offer introductory rates and discounts to new customers, often substantially lower than existing rates. Proactive comparison every 12 months and willingness to switch can yield hundreds in annual savings.
Ready to Switch and Save on Your Energy Bills?
Our energy experts at Selectra compare all 11 Irish suppliers to find you the lowest rate for your home — completely free.
Laundry: Ways to Save Energy on Washing & Drying
2. Wash with Cooler Water
Approximately 75% of washing machine energy consumption heats water. Modern detergents function effectively at 30°C cycles, significantly reducing electricity usage.
3. Run Full Loads
Only operate machines with full loads, as half-loads disproportionately consume water and energy per item.
4. Opt for Front-Loaders
Front-loading machines use up to 40% less water and 30% less electricity than top-loading models.
5. Air Dry Whenever Possible
Tumble dryers are massive energy consumers. Hanging clothes outside or on indoor racks eliminates drying costs.
6. Clean Your Dryer's Lint Filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing harder operation and increased energy consumption. Clean after each load.
Kitchen: Smart Ways to Save Energy While Cooking & Storing
7. Microwave for Reheating
Microwaves reheat leftovers more energy-efficiently than conventional ovens requiring longer preheating.
8. Boil Only What You Need
Heat only required water amounts; excess heated water represents wasted energy.
9. Defrost Food Completely
Fully defrosting food in refrigerators before cooking reduces oven/hob cooking time and energy requirements.
10. Keep Your Freezer Full
Full freezers operate more efficiently; frozen items maintain cold temperatures. Fill empty spaces with ice bags or water bottles.
11. Check Appliance Seals
Inspect rubber seals on refrigerators, freezers, and ovens regularly. Gaps allow temperature loss, forcing appliances to work harder.
Home Heating: Simple Ways to Save Energy & Stay Warm
12. Turn Down the Thermostat
Lowering thermostat by 1°C saves approximately 5% on heating bills. Target 18°C when active and 16°C at night.
13. Eliminate Drafts
Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or draft excluders, preventing warm air escape and cold air infiltration.
14. Improve Your Home's Insulation
Proper attic and wall insulation represents one of the most effective long-term strategies for heat retention and reduced heating demands.
15. Use a Smart/Programmable Thermostat
Program heating to operate only during necessary times — for example, 30 minutes before waking or arriving home — avoiding empty house heating.
16. Bleed Your Radiators
Gurgling or cold radiator tops indicate trapped air. Bleeding radiators allows hot water circulation improvement and heating efficiency enhancement.
Ready to Switch and Save on Your Energy Bills?
Our energy experts at Selectra compare all 11 Irish suppliers to find you the lowest rate for your home — completely free.
Home Electricity: Easy Ways to Save Energy Around the House
17. Turn Off Lights
Habitually switch off lights when leaving rooms. This simple, costless action accumulates significant savings.
18. Unplug "Energy Vampires"
Many electronics draw power while off or in standby mode (phone chargers, televisions, gaming consoles). Unplugging eliminates "phantom load," potentially saving over €100 annually.
19. Use Power Strips
Connecting multiple devices to power strips enables simultaneous shutdown via single button, simplifying energy vampire elimination.
20. Switch to LED Lighting
LED bulbs consume up to 80% less electricity than traditional options for identical light output and demonstrate significantly longer lifespan.
21. Use a Smart Meter
Smart meter installation ensures accurate billing based on actual consumption rather than estimates. Consider switching to a smart electricity plan for time-of-use tariff savings.
Hot Water: Effective Ways to Save Energy on Water Heating
22. Prefer Showers to Baths
Showers typically consume less hot water than baths. Efficient showering involves quick, lower-pressure spray usage.
23. Insulate Hot Water Tanks and Pipes
Wrapping hot water tanks with lagging jackets and insulating exposed pipes prevents heat loss, reducing energy requirements for water temperature maintenance.
24. Adjust Boiler Thermostat & Install Water-Saving Shower Heads
Heating water to extreme temperatures is unnecessary. Reducing boiler thermostat to 55-60°C range provides comfort while conserving energy. Inexpensive water-saving shower heads reduce water flow without pressure sacrifice, decreasing hot water consumption and lowering bills.
25. Turn Off Hot Water for Holidays
Extended vacations, particularly during warmer months, warrant complete hot water system shutdown, preventing unnecessary energy consumption.