Everyone is struggling this winter. Higher grocery bills, fuel for the daily commute and energy bills are crippling almost every household. There are however a few ways you can bring your consumption down and your bills along side it.
Draughty doors, windows and floors can be a major contributor to energy wastage. Although they might seem small, gaps and cracks have the potential to let out a large amount of heat, while allowing cold air in — impacting on your bills unnecessarily. One way to tackle this is by installing draught excluders on your doors and windows. Even keyholes and cat flaps can make a big difference, so try to keep them covered where you can. Alternatively, sealants, insulating strips and even rolled up newspaper can go a long way to ensuring heat stays in your home. Finally, double-glazing is extremely effective at keeping your home well insulated. Whilst installation can be costly, it’s a definite way to save on heating bills.
For those living in rural areas off the mains gas grid, choosing an energy efficient fuel is central to keeping bills low. This can be done by switching from more traditional off-grid fuels like bunded oil tanks. With the lowest carbon footprint of any off-grid fossil fuel, LPG for example (e.g. via a LPG tank) is better for the environment and it’s cost-effective. Its abundance of supply also makes it reliable, so you never need to worry about running out.
TVs, laptops and mobile phone chargers are still switched on even when they’re on standby, which means they’re using energy unnecessarily. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could save around £30 a year just by switching off appliances properly, whilst households with more gadgets could save between £50 and £80
With the right insulation in place, you could be making significant savings. In fact, it’s estimated that a quarter of all heat from your home could be lost through your roof if proper insulation isn’t in place. You can also use a ‘lagging jacket’ which fits over your boiler and helps retain heat. At around £10, they’re a cost effective way to prevent you from using extra energy to reheat water
Turn the temperature down, when it comes to washing your clothes. Simply choosing a lower temperature is an easy way to save money. Turning the temperature down from 40 to 30 degrees can be up to a third cheaper. Over the space of the year it could add up to a saving of £52.
Have a look around and check to see if you could save on your utility bills. Switching energy providers could save you hundreds of pounds each year. Remember, it’s not just the Big Six that offer competitive deals, switching to a smaller energy supplier could also mean a reduction in bills.
When your household appliances need replacing it is always worth thinking long-term and investing in an appliance with a high efficiency rating. Whilst it may cost more initially, the long-term payoff will help reduce your bills. Look out for products that score an A+ and above. An A+++ fridge for example, could save you around £190 over ten tears when compared to an A+ model.