Date: 15 January 2024
We understand how important it is to keep your home cosy and warm during the winter months, while also being mindful of costs. That's why we’re supporting Energy Savers Week, 15-21 January, by sharing some tips to improve your energy efficiency and help you save money this winter.
Healthy heating
Did you know you could save around £105 on your energy bill by turning your heating down just one degree Celsius? Most people don’t run their central heating overnight, but it’s a good idea to keep it on and your thermostat at 15°C when the temperature drops below freezing, so you don’t wake up to any frozen pipes!
Revisit your radiators
Bleeding radiators can be the key to an energy-efficient home. When done regularly, they take less time to heat up and waste less energy, which could lead to cheaper energy bills. It’s easy to do, and British Gas has a useful video guide if you need it. It’s also a good idea to turn down radiators in rooms you’re not using and keep furniture away from them to avoid blocking your heat source.
Switch it off
Turn off your heating if you leave the house for a few hours. Reheating your home when you return is generally cheaper than keeping your heating on low, unless you own a heat pump. Switching off electrical appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on stand-by could also save you around £55 per year.
Let there be light
You could save around £25 a year on your energy bills by turning off lights when leaving the room. Switching to LED lightbulbs can also be a great energy saver.
Water wastage
We’re all guilty of spending a little too long in the shower from time to time, but did you know that reducing shower time to four minutes could save the average family £70 a year? It might be handy to buy a waterproof shower timer to keep your shower time in check.
Being mindful about wasting hot water can really make a difference, so here are some more top tips:
Laundry day
Washing your clothes at 30°C and doing one less load of washing per week could save you £29 a year. Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-hungry home appliances, so air-drying where possible can also make a significant difference.
Consider your kitchen appliances
When making a cuppa, only filling the kettle with the water you need could save around £11 a year on your energy bills. Speaking of overfilling, make sure to leave space in your fridge to let the air circulate. This will help reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
For more energy-saving tips, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
Sources: Citizens’ Advice, Energy Saving Trust, Money Saving Expert, British Gas.
