Football fans can come together to save energy with World Cup final parties

• With the World Cup Final days away, many will be preparing to host friends and family – which by coming together could also save some energy in the process
• Many football fans are already taking steps to manage their energy use, for example with energy saving lightbulbs, or having a smart meter installed
• Smart Energy GB have created a Warmer World Cup checklist to help fans manage their energy use this winter

Thursday 15th 2022: We’re all used to holding World Cup Final parties in the summer, but this year’s football bonanza has felt very different due to the winter weather and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

England might have been knocked out of the tournament, but with the final just days away, many fans will still be preparing to host friends and family for the biggest match of the year.

According to a recent survey, less than a fifth of football supporters (18%) invite friends over to watch a match during the regular season, but this is expected to be higher for Sunday’s final.

With prices high, it has never been more important for fans to come together and enjoy the game – with the added benefit of saving some money on energy by watching it in one place, instead of in separate homes.

A Warmer World Cup checklist has been created by Smart Energy GB, encouraging hosts to save energy during the final and giving them some helpful tips to manage their energy use throughout the winter.

But many football fans are already taking steps to reduce their energy use and be more eco-friendly, according to a survey of 2,000 supporters from across England, commissioned by Smart Energy GB.

The survey found that 81% of football fans use energy saving lightbulbs at home, while a third (31%) turn lights off in an empty room.

More than a third (35%) of fans wash clothes at 30 degrees, using around 38% less electricity than washing at 40 degrees, saving money each wash.

And more than three quarters (77%) of fans are willing to change their eco-habits when watching football.

Half (50%) of football fans have a smart meter installed, with 89% of those saying it has helped them reduce energy consumption. A smart meter’s in-home display shows your usage in near-real time and in pounds and pence, which helps many people identify ways to save money on their energy bills.

Victoria Bacon, a director at Smart Energy GB, said: “The World Cup Final comes at a time when family and friends come together and enjoy the festivities. So why not host a winter World Cup party and save some energy at the same time?

“A lot of football fans are already taking steps to reduce their energy use during this difficult time. By bringing people together, we can reduce our collective energy consumption and bills.

“For many fans, a smart meter is a key tool that helps them keep on top of their usage. By contacting your energy supplier and requesting one, you’ll be able to see how much energy you use in near-real time, and in pounds and pence via a handy in-home display, which can help you reduce the amount you use.”

The Warmer World Cup checklist is available to download.

Tips to help football fans reduce their energy use this winter

Watch matches together

By bringing friends or family together to watch the game in one location, rather than in separate homes, fans can help each other to save money on energy.

Unplug or switch off appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on standby

Appliances are still using a small amount of electricity even when you’re not using them. Turning them off at the wall saves energy.

 Draught-proof windows and doors

Simple draughtproofing measures and modern insulation for homes will help retain heat. Even putting simple insulation strips around windows and doors, available for a few pounds from most DIY shops, or making sure your letter box shuts securely could help stop heat being carried away. This will help improve your heating system’s efficiency and cost effectiveness.

 Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need at the time

Heating up water takes a lot of energy, so overfilling kettle for a single cup of tea means you’re wasting all that heat. Be more efficient with your kettle and keep the water level to just what you need, or use that extra boiling water for something else.

Turn off radiators and lights in rooms you’re not using

Only keeping on the lights and the heating in rooms you are using will help you use your energy more efficiently, while also helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Adjust your boiler’s flow temperature to make heating more efficient

Combi boilers work best when they heat radiators at 55°C or below. The temperature that your boiler heats your radiators is called the flow temperature and is often set between 60°C-80°C, which can be much higher than necessary. By making this change, you could cut your gas use by 6-8% without changing the temperature in your rooms.*

Wear lots of layers rather than one thick piece of clothing

More layers of thin clothing trap more air in between them, which helps to insulate your body more effectively and keep you warmer.

Get a smart meter

Use a smart meter’s in-home display to see how much appliances such as a boilers or electric radiators add to your energy spend, will help you to prepare as temperatures drop. Simply contact your energy supplier to find out more about getting a smart meter installed at no extra cost.