It turns out which flooring individuals have can make a big difference to their bills (Image: Getty)
Many people across the are feeling the pinch after the price cap increased by around 10 percent in October.
However, people may be surprised that making a few changes in the kitchen can make a significant difference to bills.
From smarter appliance usage to mindful cooking techniques, there might be habits that are contributing to the extra pounds each month.
Debra Hutt at has teamed up with personal finance expert, Laura Rettie at , to share seven tips which will help keep in check.
One of the tips is all to do with which flooring homeowners have in their kitchen.
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The energy price cap increased by 10 percent this October (Image: Getty)
1. Have the right flooring in the kitchen
During winter, many people will turn up the heating, even if they are cooking in the kitchen. Vinyl flooring offers a wide variety of styles and is often backed with insulating materials that help regulate temperature.
Some vinyl planks are designed to be more energy-efficient, providing both comfort and durability. Meanwhile, engineered wood combines the look of hardwood with added stability and can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Rettie said: “This might not be immediately obvious, but having the right flooring in your kitchen can contribute to energy efficiency.
“Choosing flooring that provides insulation and retains heat can help keep your kitchen feel warmer, reducing the need for turning up the heating during those cold winter months.”
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Batch cooking is a great way to save energy (Image: Getty)
2. Prepare meals by batch cooking
Embracing batch cooking isn’t just timesaving and healthy, but an energy-saving option. By preparing larger quantities of food at once, you can maximise the efficiency of your appliances and reduce overall energy consumption.
Plan your batch cooking around peak energy hours. Costing £30.10 per year, cooking during off-peak times can further reduce your energy bills.
Rettie explained: “Batch cooking is excellent for conserving energy because preparing multiple meals simultaneously reduces the need to repeatedly heat up the oven or hob.”
3. Always put a lid on the pan
Keeping a lid on the pan whilst cooking is a small habit that can make a big difference. This action helps food cook faster, which means individuals can turn off the heat or lower it sooner, saving energy.
Rettie added: “Using a lid whilst cooking with a pan on a hob helps trap the heat and steam your food, this speeds up cooking and reduces energy consumption. You’ll find that this is particularly effective for cooking dishes that require liquids like soups, stews or rice”.
4. Use the microwave for quick dishes
Unlike ovens or hobs that need time to preheat, the microwave is ready to cook as soon as you turn it on. This eliminates the need to wait for the oven to reach the desired temperature, saving both time and energy.
According to Carbon Footprint, a microwave will cost £9.07 per year compared to an electric oven costing £21.08 a year.
Rettie recommended: “Microwaves are generally more energy-efficient than conventional ovens. They aren’t just for reheating.
“They can steam vegetables, cook rice, defrost frozen foods, and even bake certain items like chocolate cakes or potatoes. The appliance uses less energy and can cook food faster due to the focused heat source”.
5. Turn off the oven before you need to
retain heat even after they’ve been turned off. By switching off the oven a few minutes before the timer goes off, you can take advantage of the residual heat to finish cooking your food. This works best for dishes that don’t require precise timing, such as casseroles or baked pasta dishes.
Some dishes are particularly sensitive to overcooking, so turning off the oven early can help cooks achieve the perfect texture and flavour. For example, vegetables may stay crisper when cooking on residual heat.