Your guide to cutting energy costs at home
Heating
Consider switching to a new energy supplier
Many of us stay with the same power supplier year after year without exploring any other options. If you fall into this category, now could be the time to change your approach. By searching the market for a better deal on your energy, you stand to save yourself a considerable sum. Bear in mind that energy companies will often arrange the switch on your behalf, so there’s no need to be put off by worries that you’ll have reams of forms to fill in. Meanwhile, if your home’s off the mains gas grid and you currently rely on electricity, oil or solid fuel to heat it, it’s worth checking out the alternatives. As energy experts Flogas point out, switching from these energy sources to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) could bring your bills down because LPG fired central heating systems are highly efficient. You can find out more about your options on the web.
Change your heating habits
You might also benefit from changing your habits when it comes to heating your property. Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C could bring you significant energy savings. Also, keeping your heating on at a lower temperature rather than turning it on and off to get blasts of warmth may save you money and help to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If you get a little cool during the chilly winter months, try wearing extra layers around the house before reaching for your heating controls.
Use your appliances more efficiently
Changing the way you use your appliances can be a big energy saver. For example, running your washing machine on a lower temperature is a simple way to save electricity. Other cost cutting tips include only boiling as much water in your kettle as you actually need, waiting until your dishwasher’s full to run it, air drying rather than tumble drying more of your laundry and switching appliances like TVs off at the socket when you’re not using them rather than leaving them on standby.
Also, when you need to replace your appliances, make sure you go for models with an impressive energy efficiency rating.
Improve your insulation
Although they will cost you initially, making home improvements such as installing wall or loft insulation and fitting double-glazed windows could save you a lot of money over the long term. There are also a number of inexpensive measures you can take to improve your insulation. For example, blocking draughts around windows, doors and loft hatches is an easy way to trap more warmth during winter.
Bringing your energy bills down might seem like a big challenge, but by breaking it down into manageable goals like these, you might be surprised by how much money you’re able to save.
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