PREPARE FOR WINTER WAYS TO REDUCE 10ENERGY COSTS AND

Here we will explore 10 practical and eco-friendly ways to lower your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient. From simple changes you can implement right away to long-term investments, these tips will help you save money while reducing your carbon footprint.

Turn Off And Unplug

Whilst we are basking in summer sun at the moment, the cold of winter is not that far off and as the autumn an winter seasons approaches, many UK homeowners are concerned about the prospect of soaring energy bills. With the recent predictions of sharp increases in energy prices, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to reduce energy costs and prepare for the colder months ahead. 1

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save energy is to turn off and unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save around £55 a year just by remembering to turn off appliances in standby mode. Consider using a standby saver or smart plug to easily turn off multiple appliances at once. Additionally, ensure that appliances such as TVs and satellite recorders are completely turned off, as they may still consume energy when in standby mode. 2

DRAUGHT-PROOF YOUR HOME

Draughts can significantly contribute to heat loss in your home, leading to higher energy bills. Take the time to draught-proof your windows, doors, and other areas where cold air may enter. Simple measures such as using draught excluders, sealing gaps with silicone sealant or weatherstripping, and using heavy curtains can help keep your home warm and reduce energy wastage. Consider professional draught-proofing for long-term savings, or opt for costeffective DIY solutions.

3 Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing heat loss. Start with your loft, as a quarter of heat in an uninsulated home is lost through the roof. Check the insulation in your loft and consider topping it up to at least 270mm for maximum efficiency. Insulating your walls and floors can also make a significant difference in energy consumption. Cavity wall insulation and floor insulation are options worth considering, as they can save you £85-£280 and £30-£75 per year, respectively.

Switch To Led Lighting

Draughts can significantly contribute to heat loss in your home, leading to higher energy bills. Take the time to draught-proof your windows, doors, and other areas where cold air may enter. Simple measures such as using draught excluders, sealing gaps with silicone sealant or weatherstripping, and using heavy curtains can help keep your home warm and reduce energy wastage. Consider professional draught-proofing for long-term savings, or opt for costeffective DIY solutions.

5 Optimize Heating And Hot Water

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Heating and hot water are major contributors to energy costs, especially during the winter months. Start by reducing your heating flow temperature on your boiler. Lowering the temperature by a few degrees can save you around 6% to 8% on your gas bill. Additionally, consider turning off the pre-heat mode on your boiler to further reduce energy consumption. For hot water circulation pumps, only switch them on when needed, rather than leaving them running continuously. By adopting these measures, you can effectively reduce energy wastage and lower your heating and hot water costs.

Use Water Efficiently

Reducing water usage not only helps the environment but also saves on energy costs. Consider installing aerated showers and taps, which use less water without compromising performance. Aerated showers can reduce water usage to around a third of a standard shower, while still providing the same level of comfort. Cheap screw-in fittings for taps can also reduce water flow without affecting functionality. Additionally, storing hot water at a lower temperature and limiting the amount of water you draw can further contribute to energy savings.

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Make Smart Use Of Appliances

Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can consume significant amounts of energy if not used efficiently. Optimize your washing machine usage by washing clothes at lower temperatures, such as 30 degrees Celsius, instead of higher temperatures. This simple change can save you up to £30 a year on energy bills. Additionally, only run your dishwasher when it’s full to reduce water and energy usage. Air-drying clothes on racks instead of using a tumble dryer can save you around £60 a year. When using the tumble dryer, consider spinning clothes at the highest cycle in the washing machine to reduce drying time.

Harness Renewable Energy

Investing in renewable energy sources can help you become more self-sufficient and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Consider installing solar panels on your property to generate clean and renewable energy. Solar panels can help offset your energy consumption and potentially earn you money by exporting excess energy back to the grid. Additionally, installing a home battery storage system can allow you to store excess energy generated during the day for use during the evening or when there is less sunlight.

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UPGRADE TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

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Seek Professional Advice And Grants

When it’s time to replace old appliances, opt for energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with a high energy efficiency rating, such as those with an A+++ rating. Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy, helping you save on your energy bills in the long run. Focus on high-energy-consuming appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. Additionally, consider investing in energy-efficient heating systems, such as heat pumps, which can significantly reduce your heating costs. 10

If you’re unsure about the best energy-saving measures for your home or need assistance with financing, seek professional advice. Energy consultants and experts can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific circumstances. Additionally, explore available grants and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, for example, provides free or subsidized insulation and heating improvements for eligible households. Taking advantage of such programs can help offset the initial costs of energy-saving measures.

By implementing these 10 strategies, you can significantly reduce your energy costs and make your home more energy-efficient. Whether through simple changes in behavior or long-term investments, taking action now will not only save you money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Start preparing for winter today and enjoy the benefits of a more energy-efficient home.