There are a few simple ways you can reduce your energy bill this winter. Some are more expensive methods, while other short-term habits can save a few pennies here and there.
In May 2018, the average gas and electricity bill was £1,138. Our energy usage is only increasing with time, and it’s getting progressively more expensive. Here are a few ways you can reduce your heating bill this winter.
Understand your heating system
There’s no point in investing in a smart heating system if you can’t use the controls properly. Read the information leaflet and try to understand how the various settings work. If you find your current energy provider is a bit too expensive for your liking, research some alternative options for a cheaper deal. Pay for your energy via debit card to save up to £75 a year, compared with a cheque or cash.
Buy an energy monitor to find out which appliances use the most energy. You can look at radiators in UK. Avoid estimated bills by submitting regular, accurate readings. And – install a ‘chop device’ so you can turn your central heating off automatically every hour for a pre-set period. Simple changes to your heating system’s technical side can save you a lot of money down the line.
Form daily habits
Decreasing your heating bill doesn’t have to be rocket science. Opt for a hot water bottle over switching the heating on; avoid drying clothes on the radiators; draw your curtains at night for extra insulation and open internal doors to let the sunlight warm your home.
Consider replacing your lightbulbs with energy-efficient ones as CFL bulbs use up to 75% less energy than old fashioned ones.
If you prefer electric radiators, avoid putting them near windows or behind upholstered furniture. Furniture is an excellent insulator and can stop your radiators from heating the room.
Bigger changes
Check your insulation in the loft, roof and walls. You need to have at least 11.5 inches of insulation in the attic, so make sure it doesn’t get compressed when adding more. Up to 35% of heat can be lost in uninsulated walls. This number only gets higher with old windows and low radiators.
If your windows need replacing, fit double or triple gazed ones to optimise your energy usage. Add radiator reflector panels behind your radiators to bounce the heat against the wall and back into the room. Genius!
Finally, make your radiators have thermostatic radiator valves so you can control the heating room by room. Turn off the radiators in the rooms you don’t use daily.