Energy prices are rising all the time, but as it approaches the summer lots of us forget about it as we don’t use our heating. But now is a prime time to start getting into new energy saving habits.
Some of these tips are seasonal, so you’ll have to wait until the winter to use them, you can start putting most of them into practice now.
1. Chilly? Cook and heat at the same time
A fantastic way to save money on your bills is to combine a stove or range cooker with a boiler. You can heat hot water for the kitchen and bathroom and run radiators while heating the kitchen nicely. A stove can provide hot water and run radiators – it’s best if you combine it with another heating system.
2. Bleed your radiators
Why not do this one now? We all forget to bleed our radiators until we stop feeling the benefit of them. If the top of your radiator is cooler than the bottom, it probably has air trapped in it and needs bleeding. But bleed them now and you should be set for the winter.
3. Be wary of how much energy you use
There are lots of energy saving tips that you can put into practice all year round:
- Turn off all your appliances at the socket; don’t leave on standby
- Use 20 watt energy saving lightbulbs instead of 100 watt bulbs – you could save up to £70
- Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle
- Cook food in saucepans with the lid on so it cooks quicker
- Only heat saucepans on the corresponding size ring so you don’t heat air.
4. Insulate your property
Insulation is one of the top ways to save energy, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Of course, if your loft isn’t insulated and you don’t have cavity or solid wall insulation, it’s worth getting these done. But you can also insulate by fitting carpets in cold rooms and double lining curtains.
Don’t forget to draught proof – you can do this at a pinch by yourself and instantly feel the benefit.
5. Turn down your thermostat
Did you know that you can save 10% on your gas bill by turning your central heating thermostat down by just one degree? You won’t even notice the difference!
Make sure you use your thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) if you have them – they detect the local air temperature in the room and turn the radiator off when it reaches the maximum temperature. If you don’t have TRVs, it might be worth looking into upgrading your radiators.
We have lots of local pros that are ready to help you save money on your energy bills. Just fill out our online forms to get quotes from up to 4 local traders.