Saving energy at home not only reduces your bills but also helps the environment.
One of the biggest causes of high energy bills is an inefficient boiler. With over 150,000 Gas Safe registered engineers all over the UK, it’s as easy to arrange boiler servicing Cheltenham, Worcester or Stockport as in major cities. Companies like //www.blu-fish.co.uk/gas-heating-services-cheltenham/boiler-servicing-cheltenham/ will give your boiler a full service to ensure it is operating at full capacity.
Apart from attending to an inefficient boiler, here are five ways you can cut energy costs.
Draught-Proof Windows and Doors
Heat escapes through gaps around windows, doors, floors and chimneys in older homes. While professional work costs around £250, DIY draught-proofing is a cheaper remedy.
Switch Off Appliances at the Plug
Turning off appliances from standby mode can save around £45 a year. Use standby savers to cut power to multiple devices, but always check the instructions to keep essential equipment like fridges running.
Take Shorter Showers
Keeping showers to just four minutes can save £45 a year. Set a timer or even play a four-minute song.
Don’t Use the Tumble Dryer
In warmer months, drying clothes outdoors or on indoor racks can save about £50 a year or more, depending on the type of dryer you have.
Insulate Hot Water Cylinders
Upgrading your hot water cylinder insulation with a thicker 80mm jacket can save you £40 a year. Insulate your water tank, pipes and radiators to save money.
These simple steps will help make your home more energy-efficient and lower your energy bills.
Everyday habits that cut energy use
Beyond the bigger jobs, a handful of small habits make a steady difference to your bills. Turning off the lights when you leave a room is the easiest of all. After a few days it becomes automatic, and you will soon find yourself reminding everyone else in the house to do the same.
Double glazing insulates the home better, so the heating does not have to work as hard. How you dress windows matters too. Curtains that hang over radiators soak up heat that should be warming the room, so blinds can be a more efficient choice where radiators sit beneath windows.
Choose energy efficient equipment where you can, such as LED light bulbs and solar powered devices. Collect rainwater to water the garden instead of using the tap. In the kitchen, cooking with a lid on the pan heats food faster, so the hob is on for less time. None of these takes much effort, but together they add up.