Cost of living: 7 hacks to reduce your family’s energy bills this winter - from hot teddies to bath dams

If you’re struggling to keep energy costs at bay as a parent at the moment, you’re not alone. Around 74% of parents in the UK are worried about paying for gas and electricity, according to a recent survey by Nesta.

The cost of living crisis means that families are not only grappling with soaring energy costs, but rocketing food prices as well. New figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that costs for everyday household essentials such as vegetable oil, pasta and bread have increased as much as 60% in the past year.

Additional data released by the ONS this week has revealed that almost half of adults who pay energy bills (45%) are finding it hard to keep up with payments. As the clocks go back this weekend and evenings become darker and colder, many people are wary of turning the heating on out of fear that it will accelerate their already hefty energy bills.

While many parents are acutely aware of rising costs, it can be difficult to reduce your energy consumption when you have children. Experts from Moneyboat.co.uk have shared some lesser known tips for how parents can reduce their energy bills while keeping children happy and healthy.

Invest in hot teddies

While it’s common knowledge switching on the heating regularly can cause bills to surge, it can be tempting to give in as temperatures drop. Hot water bottles can be a great option for keeping the whole family warm, and for heating up beds before bedtime. But one smarter option for parents is hot water bottle teddies, or microwaveable hot teddies. Younger children are sure to embrace snuggling up with a cute cuddly toy which will keep them warm and stop any complaints. Alongside this, hot teddies can be a safer option compared to traditional hot water bottles.

Cost of filling a hot water bottle: £0.08

Cost of using a microwave for two minutes: £0.01

Switch to cheaper cooking appliances

When it comes to the cost of cooking our food, the methods we use can make a big difference. Air fryers and slow cookers are great options to cut the cost of cooking, and it’s great news for families as these appliances are often perfect for family staples. Spaghetti Bolognese, Chilli Con Carne, curries and other sauce based dishes are perfect for a slow cooker.  Meanwhile, an air fryer can cut the costs of popular options like peri-peri chicken, fish and chips and even lasagne. There’s an abundance of inventive recipes for both of these appliances, so it’s well worth considering investing in one and cutting down on the use of your oven and hob.

Cost of using each appliance for one hour- Slow cooker: £0.08, Air fryer: £0.34, Oven: £0.68

Be smart with food prep

Many parents are often rushed off their feet, so when it comes to cooking it’s no wonder we often don’t give a second thought to how we’re prepping food. But some slight changes to the way family meals are prepared could actually save money on bills. When cooking, consider chopping ingredients smaller as this will reduce the time it takes to cook, reduce the amount of energy needed and thus lower your bill.

Another smart hack to reduce energy usage when cooking is to soak some ingredients beforehand. Certain pulses will benefit from this such as beans, lentils and chickpeas — resulting in faster cooking times and less energy consumed. Alongside this, freezing food and ingredients can be a great option to save money but when it comes to defrosting, remember to always leave enough time for food to thaw naturally - reducing the need for a microwave and using more energy.

Cost of using an electric hob per hour: £0.58