Photo credit: Flickr.com - Les
You’ve heard it all before, don’t leave electrical devices in standby mode, try to avoid using the tumble dryer between 6pm and 10pm, change all your lightbulbs to energy saving ones… they’re all simple enough changes that are drummed into us on a daily basis, but can make a real difference to your bills.
We’re all a little more conscious now when it comes to saving energy and it’s easy enough these days to find information on how to cut down your outgoings. The Energy Saving Trust website, for example, provides plenty of information on the issue.
But to kick start your home improvement here are five essential energy saving tips that could make a real difference to your monthly outgoings:
- Check your electrical items
The energy efficiency of your electrical items can make a huge difference to the bill that lands on your doormat every quarter of the year. Think about what you use in your home - kettles, fridges, television sets, game consoles - these all require expensive energy to run effectively.
Did you know? Buying a fridge with an A+ rating could help you save around £57 a year in energy bills. Tumble dryers are also the biggest energy guzzlers, so go for a dryer with a minimum of a B grade rating. You can find dryers on the market with a sensor to tell you when the clothes are dry enough.
- Use a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way of tracking your energy use and what it costs. They can also help your supplier better understand how you use your energy and amend your plan to suit you.
Did you know? With a smart meter there is no need to worry about taking meter readings in the cold outside, all the information is right there for you and your provider, available to read.
- Know your heating system
Central heating or electric heaters? It’s important that you know how to work your heating system, to ensure you use it as efficiently as possible. Consider replacing a boiler older than 2005, as these can significantly increase your costs.
Did you know? Turning down the room temperature on the thermostat by just one degree you can save around £75 a year.
- Consider installing renewables
Renewable energy means that you aren’t buying your energy from those big suppliers but installing technology to create your own, such as solar panels or small wind turbines. It reduces your carbon footprint, so is a big thumbs up for budding conservationists and you can also sell back any surplus energy to the national grid.
Did you know? It’s important you do your research when it comes to which tech to install. The position of your house or the average wind speed can make a real difference. You should also check planning permissions and insurance so there are no delays with installation.
- Block the chimney
If you own an older build, with a classic chimney but no open fireplace, then it’s a good idea to block your fireplace, stopping the draught from the open flume entering the room. If you do use your open fireplace occasionally then use a Heatsaver Perspex fireplace shield, which lets you see the fireplace but seals it up when it’s not in use. You can simply remove it when you want to warm the room up.
Did you know? By blocking the flume you could save up to £153 a year. An alternative to the fireplace shield is to install a Chimney Balloon, which is what the name suggests – an expandable ‘balloon’ that sits in your chimney, blocking draughts and preventing warm air escaping.
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