Spring cleaning checklist: 10 tips to save money on your energy bills

After months of winter weather, your windows are probably in need of a good clean. Dirt and grime can block sunlight making you more reliant on artificial lighting.

Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms are great at removing smells and moisture from the air. But over time, they get clogged up with dust and grime meaning they have to work harder – and use more energy in the process. Take five minutes to give them a vacuum or wipe over with a damp cloth.

Keeping cool 24/7, your fridge is undoubtedly the hardest working appliance of them all. Keep it working at its best by hoovering the coils at the back to remove dust and dirt. This will help it stay cold with less effort.

If the inside of your freezer wouldn’t look out of place in the Arctic, then it’s time for a defrost. You’ll also free up space for all those treats. Anyone for ice cream?

Limescale can build up quickly in your kettle, particularly if you live in a hard water area. This doesn’t just mean it will take longer to make a cuppa; it will also use up more energy. Give it a good clean with some white wine vinegar or a shop-bought descaler.

While you’re taking on the kitchen, when was the last time you cleaned your oven? All that baked-on food and grease isn’t just unappetizing, it also means your oven will have to work harder to heat up and maintain the right cooking temperature.

Now that spring is here, have a quick check around and unplug anything you’re not going to need so much, like electric heaters and blankets. Even when they’re switched off, if they’re still plugged in they’re using energy – and wasting money.

Yes, we know this one sounds a bit odd but bear with us. Radiators are a magnet for dust, which stops the heat from circulating properly. So, give them a quick dust. Or, even better, use the extra attachments on your hoover to get into those difficult-to-reach areas.

Now the weather’s a bit warmer, it’s a great time to give the tumble dryer a much-needed holiday and dry your clothes outside. This gives you a chance to clean the lint filter and ducts to keep it running efficiently.

Got solar panels? Give them a clean with warm water and a soft brush to get the most out of them as the days get sunnier.