As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, we’re all looking for ways we can stay warm and comfortable without spending more money. Here are some practical tips to help.
Our top tips
- Keep your thermostat at a max of 21 degrees
The ideal temperature range to set your thermostat is 18-21 degrees. If yours is higher, consider turning it down by 1 degree.
This simple step could save you around 10% on your energy bill.
- Don’t heat an empty home
If you have a timer on your central heating, set it to come on only when required – don’t waste money heating an empty house!
- Draft proof doors
One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by sealing drafts. Unless your home is new, you’ll lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. Draft excluders work by closing the gap between the door and the floor and are a low-cost way of reducing heat loss.
- Service your boiler
Our friendly team carry out boiler services all year round to keep your boiler safe and working well.
If you haven’t already done so, you can do a quick test as well. It’s a good idea to do this before the weather gets really cold. Simply turn the boiler on and leave for an hour checking that you have hot water and heating. If it isn’t working, or the heating doesn’t come on, contact us to make an appointment now.
- Use curtains wisely
Window treatments can be a game-changer for energy efficiency. During the day, open curtains to let in sunlight, which naturally warms your space. At night, close them to keep the cold air out. Consider using thermal curtains for added insulation.
More energy efficiency tips
Here are some more energy efficiency tips that you can use throughout the year. Why not give these changes a go too?
- Switch off standby
You can save around £45* in annually just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.
Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. Standby savers allow you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go to save electricity.
Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record.
- Reduce hot water use
Hot water can account for a significant portion of your energy use.
Limit hot water usage by taking shorter showers and washing clothes in cold water when possible.
Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £60 a year on their energy bills.
Using your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures and reducing your washing machine use by one run per week for a year could save around £24 a year.
- Practice smart cooking
Use your oven and hob efficiently. Batch cook and use an air fryer or slow cooker to reduce the amount of energy used. Cover pots to retain heat, and consider using the microwave for smaller dishes, as it uses less energy.
- Be mindful of your energy use
Finally, simply being aware of your energy consumption can lead to more mindful habits. Keep track of your energy bills and try to identify patterns or areas where you can cut back. Get the family involved too – everyone can do their bit and help save the pennies.
*Cost savings quoted: Quick tips to save energy at home – Energy Saving Trust
