By adopting energy-saving measures, you can cut down on your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient. The following suggestions offer simple ways to manage heat and energy in your home, with options ranging from quick fixes to more significant home improvements.
Four Ways to Save Energy:
- Quick, One-Time Actions: These are simple, immediate steps that can lower energy use without any costs.
- Daily Small Changes: By adjusting how you use household appliances regularly, you can save energy without spending money.
- Basic Home Upgrades: Small home improvements that typically cost between £10 to £150 can make your home more energy-efficient and reduce bills.
- Major Home Improvements: Larger investments in your home can yield long-term energy savings. Grants are often available to help cover the costs of insulation or boiler replacements.
Additionally, checking your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can offer insights into how energy-efficient your property is and highlight areas for improvement.
Quick, One-Time Actions
Adjust Boiler Flow Temperature
Lowering the flow temperature on your combi boiler can enhance its efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. A lower setting warms your home more gradually but uses less energy.
Reduce Water Temperature
For homes with separate hot water cylinders, adjusting the thermostat to 60°C prevents water from being unnecessarily overheated. Ensure that the temperature does not go below 60°C to avoid bacterial growth.
Lower Room Thermostat Settings
Reducing the thermostat temperature to between 18-21°C can significantly lower heating costs. For health reasons, ensure that indoor temperatures stay at least 18°C, especially for those vulnerable to the cold.
Daily Small Changes
Turn Down Radiators in Unused Rooms
Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control room temperatures and reduce energy use when rooms are not in use.
Wash Clothes at Lower Temperatures
By switching from 40°C to 30°C when doing the washing, you can save energy and reduce your bills. Filling the washing machine fully also minimises the number of loads required.
Minimise Tumble Dryer Usage
Using a clothes airer or drying clothes outside instead of using a tumble dryer can cut down on energy consumption, as dryers are energy-intensive appliances.
Turn Off Appliances on Standby
Unplugging devices like computers, televisions, and game consoles when they are not in use prevents them from silently drawing electricity.
Close Curtains or Blinds at Night
Closing curtains or blinds can help retain heat, especially if your radiator is positioned beneath a window, helping you save on heating costs.
Basic Home Upgrades
Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Changing to energy-saving light bulbs can lower energy consumption without affecting the quality of light in your home.
Seal Draughts
Draught-proofing doors, windows, and floors can prevent heat from escaping, making your home more energy-efficient and lowering heating costs.
Install Temporary Secondary Glazing
For homes with single-glazed windows, adding temporary secondary glazing can help reduce heat loss through the glass.
Insulate Your Hot Water Tank
Insulating your hot water tank can keep water hot for longer and reduce the energy needed to heat it. Installing a hot water cylinder jacket is a simple and effective solution.
Install Smart Thermostats and Controls
Smart heating controls allow you to set heating and hot water to only turn on when needed, providing greater flexibility and reducing energy waste.
Install a Smart Meter
A smart meter helps track your energy use in real time, giving you better control and allowing you to explore money-saving tariffs.
Major Home Improvements
These more significant investments not only reduce energy consumption but also improve the overall comfort of your home by addressing issues such as damp, mould, and drafts.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can lead to substantial long-term savings on your electricity bills.
Add Loft Insulation
Insulating your loft is a straightforward way to improve your home’s insulation and reduce heat loss, keeping your home warmer and lowering heating costs.
Upgrade to Double Glazing
Installing double-glazed windows, especially if your home currently has single glazing, can reduce heating costs by up to 20%, while also reducing noise pollution.
Install Wall Insulation
Wall insulation, whether internal, external, or within a cavity, is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to see if your home would benefit from this upgrade.
Install Underfloor Insulation
Underfloor insulation helps reduce heating bills and improves comfort by reducing the sensation of cold floors.
These tips and upgrades can make your home more energy-efficient, helping you save on bills and improve comfort. For more information on energy-saving measures or to explore available grants, visit the Energy Saving Trust and National Energy Action websites. If you’re struggling with energy bills, contact your energy supplier to see what support is available.
