No one likes being cold or sitting in the dark, but energy bill prices are a real worry for so many people.
Here, we explore ways to lower your expenses, ensuring cost-effectiveness and help with reducing bills.
Turn off lights
If you leave a room then switch off the light, only light the room you are in. It is also worth checking your bulbs – LED lightbulbs use less energy than traditional lightbulbs, so if you use these types of bulbs, these should overtime reduce your bills.
Switch off appliances
Don’t leave appliances on standby. Items like TVs, microwaves, kettles etc can be turned off at the plug and stops electricity running into the machines. Obviously don’t turn fridge or freezers off as this will make the food go off quickly. However, do defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently. If buying a new appliance buy one with the best energy rating as you can afford.
Water usage
Showers use less water than baths -if you can manage a shower then this will be more cost effective. If you can’t use a shower then think about using less water in your bath.
When you are cleaning your teeth or shaving turn off the tap when it’s not needed.
When making hot drinks, only boil the amount of water you need.
For the garden, try and use a watering can instead of a hose.
Washing machines / Dish washers
Run washing machines at a lower temperature, washing clothes at 30C uses 40% less electricity over a year than washing at higher temperatures.
On a dish washer run the cycle on the eco programme. This uses less energy than higher temperature programmes.
Heating your rooms
Heat the rooms you are using – if you have a spare room that you don’t use there is no point heating it until it’s needed. In the rooms you do use, a temperature of 18c (64F) is ideal and comfortable. Close the doors of the rooms where the radiators are switched on to help stop the heat escaping.
Draught-proof windows and doors
Draft proofing doors and windows to stop heat escaping. Fit draught proofing strips and draft excluders around doors, seal gaps around window frames and add covers to letterboxes and keyholes but remember to leave some ventilation to help prevent condensation and prevent the build up of gases.
Double glazing
Double glazing stops heat from escaping, if you don’t have double glazing then it can be expensive to glaze a whole house – so it may be worth just glazing the rooms you use to make it more cost effective.
Insulating your home
Insulating roof and loft spaces can really reduce heat loss in your home and save hundreds of pounds each year. Having your cavity walls insulated can make your home warmer.
Insulating hot water tanks and pipes keeps your heated water warmer for longer, meaning you will have to reheat it less, saving you more money.
Energy deals
It is always a good idea to check if your energy supplier is giving you the best price for your usage, if not switch to a supplier that can give you a better deal.
Warm welcome spaces
We know that despite all efforts some people are still finding it hard to keep warm and afford heating. Warm welcome spaces is a scheme that sees community spaces opening their doors and giving everyone a warm space to come, meet friends and be part of a community. Find more information at https://www.warmwelcome.uk/
Winter fuel payments
If you were born before 25th September 1957, you could be entitled to between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as the Winter Fuel Payment. If you are not receiving this and think you should or could be then go https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
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