Teaching kids to save energy could save them over £16,500 in their lifetime

Helping children build smart energy habits from a young age could save them more than £16,500 over their lifetime. 

New research by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of Smart Energy GB focused on how everyday energy-saving habits can make a big difference in the long run. It surveyed 750 parents with young children and found that 78% already encourage their kids to save energy at home. 

How much can these habits really save? 

By teaching youngsters small, manageable actions, families could see significant long-term savings.  

Here’s how it adds up: 

• Turn off the TV - encouraging young children to turn off the TV when not in use could save more than £942 over their lifetime. 

• Shorter showers - getting kids to limit showers to under four minutes could save around £1,447. Try using a timer or playing a four-minute song to keep it fun. 

• Turn down the radiator - asking teens to turn down their bedroom radiator before leaving for school could save over £930.  

• Run the dishwasher only when full - teaching older teens to only run the dishwasher when it’s full could save an estimated £720 during adulthood. 

• Lower the thermostat by one degree - reducing the thermostat by just one degree can lead to a massive £5,937 in savings over a lifetime.  

Combined, these simple habits could help a person save nearly a decade’s worth of energy bills, based on Ofgem’s estimated annual average of £1,738. 

Kids are already learning 

The research also found that 82% of parents with smart meters believe their children understand energy usage better when they can see it in real-time using the display.  

Common household habits already being taught include: 

• turning off lights when leaving a room 

• unplugging unused appliances 

• air-drying washing instead of using a dryer 

What’s more, 98% of parents believe it’s vital to teach their children how their actions impact the environment. Popular eco-lessons include: 

• recycling 

• repurposing items 

• reducing water use, for example, turning off taps while brushing teeth 

Want to cut your own energy bills? 

Of course, adopting good energy-saving practices shouldn’t be limited to kids.  

If you’re looking to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, small changes can make a big difference: 

Make simple home adjustments 

Try these easy energy-saving tips: 

• lower your thermostat by 1°C 

• get your boiler serviced regularly for efficiency 

• close curtains at night to keep heat in during winter 

• use energy-efficient light bulbs 

• avoid standby mode and switch appliances off completely 

Need more ideas? 

Check out our 50 easy energy-saving tips for simple, practical ways to help reduce your bills.  

Energy bills help 

If you're struggling to pay your bills, check for grants or assistance to help with payments. Some energy companies and charitable trusts offer support.   

Visit Turn2Us to explore available grants.