It’s no secret that energy prices are rising higher than ever before and for many, this can be incredibly stressful. With winter on the way, everyone is keen to save money on energy bills. This may sound like an impossible task, but there are some small changes you can do to help. Here are ten ideas to get started:
1. Assess your current energy usage
Take a look at your current energy bills to see where you can make savings. There are a few really simple ways you can cut costs by a small bit. Using paperless bills could cut down on administration fees from some providers, as can paying by direct debit.
If you have a smart meter, this gives more info on specifically where your energy is going, so you can pinpoint high-energy items in your home and make adjustments.
2. Make small changes to your electricals
You would be surprised at how small changes can really add up when it comes to energy saving. Wherever possible switch to more energy-efficient light bulbs and try to unplug things when they’re not being used for a long time. Even leaving a mobile phone charger plugged in can use electricity. These tiny changes can make a big difference over time.
3. Make bigger changes
If financially possible, invest in more energy-efficient appliances to save huge amounts of money. For example, your washing machine could cost between £47 to over £175 to run every year depending on how efficient it is. Spending a bit extra to afford an upgrade could lead to substantial savings right now and in the future. While it may seem counterintuitive to be purchasing new appliances the savings can compound, and you can always sell on, or trade-in your older electrical appliances as well.
4. Avoid putting the heating on where possible
Yes, it is painful not putting your heating on. But, try to avoid this as much as possible. Save it for the really cold evenings when even some jumpers and blankets won’t keep you warm. Otherwise, wrap up in cosy clothing, wear thick socks and keep the heating off. If possible, try and maximise the use of timers on your thermostat and heat “strategically” where possible. Also, be mindful of the outside temperature and ensure that you run your heating enough to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze.
5. Move furniture around to ensure heat efficiency
Believe it or not, your interior design layout could be raising your bills. If you want to cut your home energy bills, move things around to ensure big items aren’t blocking radiators. When furniture is pushed up close to a radiator, all the heat goes into the back of the item and doesn’t spread throughout the room. Give the radiator more space and the room will immediately be easier to heat on a lower setting.
6. Bleed your radiators & ensure your boiler is working well
We all know that bleeding our radiators is essential but it can be a hard task to remember on an ever-increasing DIY to-do list
However, regularly bleeding your radiators can make them more efficient. This accounts for not just heating your home but also running electricity, so less energy is used overall.
Also, it’s worth investing in servicing your boiler to check that it is running efficiently. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save over the winter when your heating system is more efficient!
7. Get some smart home tech
Smart technology can make your home more energy efficient, letting you save money on energy bills. If you are buying a house in Bromley, smart tech could be one of the first upgrades you look for. By investing in smart radiator valves you can control heating while at home and outside the home, and even take advantage of some of the smart features to maximise on energy conservation.
This can let you heat one room instead of the whole house, saving a fortune. You’re also able to control the temperature to use less energy.
Smart bulbs can also be used to save money in the longer term. Smart bulbs can be dimmed to use less electricity and ensure that you never leave a light on in your house again.
However, it is important to note that with any “smart” heating system there will be a larger upfront cost of installing smart TRVs and thermostats. While it can save you money in the long run it can be quite an expensive investment in the first instance.
8. Defrost your fridge/freezer
When ice builds up, it increases the energy demands on your fridge/freezer for it to run correctly. Defrosting can remove excess ice and make both appliances work more efficiently, cutting down on energy usage.
This is also a great opportunity to assess what food and supplies you have in your fridge and freezer as well. By ensuring you have a good stock of frozen essentials and by clearing space, you can batch-cook multiple meals, using less energy than cooking multiple meals over several days, and then freeze them for a later date.
9. Switch your shower head to a low flow
It’s nice to have a powerful jet of water in the shower, but this uses up so much energy. Switching to a low-flow head will mean less water is used and you heat up less water too. So, you actually see savings on two accounts here!
There are many options online that can reduce water usage and even help soften hard water. You can get an energy-efficient aerating showerhead for as little as £5 and by halving your time in the shower you can make even more savings.
10. Radiator reflective panels, draught excluders and more
There are many inexpensive items you can use to bolster your heating and reduce waste. Draught excluders trap heat inside rooms and prevent it from escaping, leading to better thermal insulation and decreasing the demand on your central heating. Placing reflective panels behind radiators can stop heat from being wasted and soaked up in the walls. Instead, this heat is reflected back into your room, which will also make your heating system more efficient.
Saving money can be tough, but making small changes can help. These small changes give you extra money that could allow you some additional breathing space on bills or even potentially help you to start saving for bigger things such as new insulation, solar panels or a deposit for a new home.