Experts are predicting yet another very cold winter, so now is the time to think about reducing your energy usage to keep those huge bills at bay.
Set Your Thermostat
Heating your home is usually responsible for the biggest chunk of your energy bill, so it’s important to make sure it’s only heated when it needs to be.
Ensuring your thermostat is set to go on and off at the correct times is usually more efficient than just switching the whole system on and off manually it’s easy to forget and leave it on all day while you’re out at work.
Prevent Heat Loss
The most significant cause of wasted energy is usually heat lost through poor insulation and inefficient glazing. With the government’s new ‘Green Deal’, improving your insulation and glazing should now be easier and more cost-effective.
In addition to these major improvements, you can also make little tweaks such as ensuring gaps around doors are properly sealed. You will soon see the savings on your heating bills and notice the reduction in draughts.
Say No to Standby
Many household appliances tend to be quite difficult to completely switch off. They often go into standby mode so it’s quick and easy to switch them on again, but that does continue to use electricity.
Switching them off at the plug can be a hassle, so it’s worth getting some ‘no-standby’ devices, which allow you to switch things off completely by remote control.
Change Your Light Bulbs
Low-energy bulbs are now standard in all new homes but some older homes may still have some traditional bulbs fitted. These can use twice as much energy, so it’s a good idea to change them for the new low-energy or LED types.
The range and quality available have really improved and there are now many bulbs suitable for use with dimmer switches.
Use Efficient Appliances
Whenever it’s time to buy a new TV, fridge-freezer, or dishwasher, you should consider the energy-efficiency rating when making your purchase decision, as part of the overall cost to you over the lifetime of the item.
Appliances that use less energy could be a few pounds more expensive at the point of purchase but they’ll save you money in the long run.
Check What You’re Using
There are now several types of home energy monitors available. These are usually quite straightforward to fit yourself and it can be a real eye-opener to find out which items use the most energy. The kettle is often a big culprit, especially when it’s full up, so try not to boil more water than you need for that cup of tea.
Generate Your Own Power
The ultimate energy-saving tip is to make your own! The installation of solar panels and home wind turbines is now more popular than ever.
This is not a short-term fix, though, as it may take quite a few years before your investment pays off. But eventually, you may even generate enough electricity to sell some back to the grid as well as meet your own energy needs.
It’s also advisable to make sure you’re not paying over the odds for the energy you do use. You can use a price-comparison site to compare energy prices at a glance and ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
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