Energy Wastage at Home: Seven Hidden Losses Costing You £2,000 a Year.

According to The Sun: You could be losing up to £2,037 a year if you make certain mistakes at home.

Rising inflation and increasing energy bills are putting significant pressure on households, but there are ways to reduce costs.

Inflation hit 3.8% in July, meaning prices are rising faster than ever before.

Energy prices will increase from next month, with the average household spending around £1,755 a year on energy.

We have gathered seven 'financial pitfalls' in your home that could cost even more money, along with tips on how to avoid them...

Energy 'Vampires' – £360

Experts note that some home appliances can consume energy even when on standby.

For example, an old refrigerator uses significantly more energy compared to newer models, which could add up to £300 to your bill each year.

Leaving gaming consoles on standby also raises energy bills: data shows that consoles consume 60 times more than televisions.

Turning off devices when not in use or using smart plugs can save £40 to £60 a year.

It is also helpful to unplug chargers when they are not in use.

Leaky Taps – £60

A dripping tap may seem trivial, but it can turn into a costly expense.

According to Water UK, a leaking tap wastes at least 5,500 liters of water per year, enough to fill a child's pool every week in summer.

If you are on a water meter, this could cost you an additional £20 to £60 a year.

Fixing the problem could be as simple as replacing a rubber washer or seal, which costs just a few pounds.

You can find a step-by-step guide on how to repair taps at wickes.co.uk.

Drafts – £50

Poor sealing of your home can lead to higher energy costs.

Spending money to heat cold air makes your home colder, forcing you to raise the thermostat temperature.

Effective sealing can reduce heating bills by £40 to £50 a year in the UK, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

The cost of professional sealing for an entire house is about £250, but there are also more affordable solutions.

Poorly Insulated Roofs and Walls – £840

Your roof is one of the main areas for heat loss.

Looking at your yard after a snowfall can reveal how much energy is escaping your home.

If snow remains on your roof after heavy snowfall, your insulation is working, if not, it may be time to consider upgrading it.

According to Energy Saving Trust, loft insulation can save you significant amounts over 40 years.

It can save an average of £340 a year for detached homes, £200 for semi-detached, and £180 for mid-terrace homes.

Washing Machine Mistakes – £500

You may not even realize it, but mistakes when using your washing machine could cost you hundreds of pounds.

Matviy Shiran from Money Wellness believes you could be losing up to £500 a year due to improper use of this appliance.

Here are a few common mistakes:

• Choosing too high a temperature – washing at 30°C is just as effective as 40°C or 60°C in most cases.
• Overloading the machine – putting too many items in one load can reduce washing efficiency.
• Using the wrong detergent – this can lead to residue build-up in the machine, decreasing its effectiveness.

Overpaying for Internet – £120

Today, internet is one of the major bills for many of us.

However, you could be overpaying if you are not checking for better offers, automatically renewing your contract every year.

Additional charges can prevent you from saving if you are at the start of your contract.

At the end of your contract, visit comparison sites to find the best deal.

It’s also worth calling your provider and trying to negotiate terms, they may lower your bills.

Overpaying for Showers – £107

Making changes to your shower can help you save.

First, the type of shower affects your energy costs.

Electric showers are particularly economical since they only heat the water you use.

The least economical are mixer showers, which use twice as much water compared to power showers.

The power of the shower also affects costs:

• 10.8kW shower – over £158.
• 9.5kW shower – between £123 and £140 a year.
• 8.5kW shower – about £122 a year.

This means you could save £36 by switching to a lower wattage shower.

Another option is to use the eco mode on your shower. According to consumer site Which?, you could save up to £70.75 a year by choosing this option.