Easy swap could see Brits save energy use by up to 80% this winter

According to the experts, the easiest and most effective change you can make to help cut the cost of your electric bill during the long dark winter is making one simple switch.

With energy prices soaring once again this winter, UK households are on the lookout for ways to reduce their monthly bills.

One area where our usage increases during the winter months is how we illuminate our homes. We use light bulbs more in the winter because shorter days and longer nights lead to increased demand for artificial lighting during the darker hours.

According to the experts, the easiest and most effective change you can make to help cut the cost of your electric bill during the long dark winter is by switching to LED light bulbs.

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Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and even compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, LEDs use significantly less energy, last longer and generate less heat, making them a cost-effective choice.

The Energy Saving Trust experts explain that LED bulbs are incredibly energy efficient, consuming up to 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and around 25-30% less than CFLs. This efficiency translates into lower energy costs.

They said: "You can save up to £3 per year for every traditional halogen bulb you switch to a similarly bright LED bulb, equivalent to around 5kg of CO2 emissions.

"If the average UK household replaced all of their bulbs with LEDs, it would cost about £100 and save about £35 a year on bills."

LEDs are widely available in UK supermarkets, hardware shops and online retailers, so it’s simple to find bulbs that suit every room in your home.

The home efficiency experts at MakeMyHouseGreen also agree that swapping out your old lightbulbs could make a big difference to your energy consumption.

CEO Llewellyn Kinch believes lighting can significantly impact energy use, especially in small spaces. He said: “LED bulbs use up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, making them a cost-effective choice.

"By switching to LED lighting, you could see substantial reductions in energy bills, on the cheap. What’s more is that they’re available in warm tones, maintaining a cosy winter atmosphere without the energy drain."

And for an extra tip – remember to turn off your lights when you’re not using them. This will help reduce the amount of energy you use every day and could even knock up to £15 a year off your energy bill.