Winter feels better when the numbers add up

Short days. Extra layers by the door. Family dinners pulled forward. Winter shifts the rhythm of home life, and energy use rises with it. Smart budgeting starts with smarter habits, and an efficient home helps every pound work harder. Here are seven practical ways to lock in winter energy savings, with light-touch technology that keeps comfort high and waste low.

1. Wash smarter for winter energy savings

Laundry never takes a holiday. Cooler, efficient cycles protect fabrics and trim electricity use. Selected Beko washing machines with EnergySpin reduce energy use by up to 35 percent per cycle, so school kits and cosy knits get a gentle, efficient clean. Lower temperatures also cut costs without compromising daily hygiene.

Try this: - Wash at 30°C for everyday loads, according to the Energy Saving Trust, lower temperatures reduce energy use for laundry Energy Saving Trust, laundry advice. - Wait for full loads, half loads waste water and energy. - Pick an eco or quick programme for lightly soiled items.

2. Let the dishwasher do the work, save water and time

A full dishwasher often uses less water than handwashing a sinkful, and it keeps evenings calmer Energy Saving Trust, dishwashers. Beko SaveWater technology uses up to 7.8 litres less water per cycle, which supports both your bill and an efficient home. Fewer repeats and less pre-rinsing mean less energy down the drain.

Make it count: - Run only when full, stack items so spray arms reach every surface. - Skip the pre-rinse, modern detergents and targeted spray patterns do the heavy lifting. - Use eco mode for everyday loads, it lowers water temperature and energy use.

3. Cook for comfort, not for waste

Kitchen heat feels welcome in winter, yet ovens use more energy than smaller appliances for the same task. Match the method to the meal. Microwaves use less energy for reheating and small portions, and lids on pans speed up boiling and reduce steam loss Energy Saving Trust, cooking. Batch cooking turns one oven session into multiple family meals, so the energy spend stretches further.

Simple wins: - Reheat small portions in the microwave. - Use the fan setting where available, it spreads heat evenly at lower temperatures. - Cook multiple dishes at once, then cool and refrigerate safely.

4. Shorten drying time, keep fabrics fresh

Tumble dryers are convenient, yet they draw a lot of energy, especially in winter when outdoor lines sit idle Energy Saving Trust, laundry and dryers. Spinning laundry at higher speeds before drying removes more water, which shortens dryer time. Indoors, an airer placed in a warm, ventilated room dries clothes steadily without leaving that damp smell.

Practical steps: - Select a higher spin on the washing machine before drying. - Space items on an airer for airflow, crack a window for moisture control. - Clean lint filters regularly, better airflow means faster drying.

5. Keep the cold side truly efficient

Fridges and freezers run all day, so small settings matter a lot. Set the fridge to 5°C or below for food safety, the UK Food Standards Agency recommends this level FSA, chilling. Freezers at around minus 18°C store food safely without overworking. Clear gaps behind units for airflow, wipe door seals so they grip, and avoid overfilling, which restricts chilled air.

Helpful habits: - Check temperatures monthly with a cheap fridge thermometer. - Arrange food so cold air can circulate. - Defrost icy build-up, thick frost makes freezers work harder.

6. Plan heavy-use tasks around your tariff

Energy prices vary by time for some households. Time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper rates in off-peak windows, so shifting a dishwasher or laundry run to those periods lowers unit costs without changing the routine Ofgem, energy tariffs. Check your bill or provider app for your tariff type and unit rates. Keep the schedule that suits your family, then slot high-energy tasks into lower-cost times where it fits.

To stay in control: - Check your tariff details, look for cheaper off-peak windows. - Group energy-heavy chores together in those windows. - Use appliance timers where available to start cycles when rates drop.

7. Choose appliances built for long-term efficiency

Smart budgeting rewards reliability. Appliances that perform day after day avoid repeats, re-washes and emergency callouts. Beko focuses on durable design and tested performance, from 25-year lifetime motors with warranty on selected models, to technologies that target waste. EnergySpin supports lower electricity use on wash days. SaveWater trims litres with every dishwashing cycle. PowerIntense delivers up to five times better cleaning performance per zone in dishwashers, which reduces the need for second runs. Backed by leadership from Europe’s number one large home appliances company, the goal is simple, steady savings that stack up over the years.

What to look for: - Proven durability and long warranties that protect your budget. - Cycles that prioritise low energy and water use without sacrificing results. - Independent testing and a track record of reliability.

Build an efficient home one habit at a time

Winter energy savings add up through small, repeatable actions. Pick two changes this week, then layer in another next week. Efficient appliances help the routine run smoothly while trimming waste, so home feels warm and the bills feel calmer.

Beko keeps everyday care steady, so you feel confident about comfort and cost through the cold months.

References: - Energy Saving Trust, Laundry and dryers: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/laundry-and-dryers/ - Energy Saving Trust, Dishwashers: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/dishwashers/ - Energy Saving Trust, Cooking: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/cooking/ - Ofgem, Energy tariffs: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-advice-households/energy-tariffs - Food Standards Agency, Chilling: https://ww