Already at record highs, energy prices are expected to continue to rise over the coming months. Therefore, we brainstormed some easy measures to help you reduce your bills.
Today on average, four people live in the typical home, which today uses 13 technological appliances (including TVs and laptops). According to the Energy Consumption in the UK (ECUK) 2017 study, that is a significant increase from 1990, when only four appliances were generally used. However, even though we have more appliances, we still use about the same amount of energy as we did 20 years ago. This indicates that over time, technology has improved in terms of energy efficiency.
You can still take a variety of steps to cut back on your energy use and save money!
Here are some examples:
Turn off the lights when leaving a room
Make sure you always turn off the lights while leaving a room as a basic habit to cultivate. Create a reminder to do this until you develop a subconscious habit of doing it. By consistently performing something as easy as this, you can reduce your monthly electricity bills by a significant amount and help save the planet.
Use LED bulbs
Smart LED lights are not only stylish and economical but also significantly more efficient than halogen lamps, many homeowners are therefore now switching to them.
Unplug Your Devices
It goes without saying how crucial it is to turn off electronics while not in use. Unplugging items instead of leaving them on standby will save money on your electricity bill.
Convert to energy-saving appliances
Two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home are the tumble dryer and fridge; swapping these out for more energy-efficient models will cut your usage in half and lower your electricity costs. Additionally, the installation of heat pumps is also an energy-saving strategy. The general rule is that appliances will use less electricity if you repair and replace them every few years.
Some other examples of energy-saving appliances are:
Microwaves – Microwaves are very inexpensive cooking appliances in comparison to electric ovens, which are the most energy-intensive way of cooking small meals. A microwave only costs 8p per day to operate, according to research by Utilita.
Air Fryers – The air fryer is arguably one of the most popular kitchen appliances right now. These ingenious appliances can pretty much prepare anything, from baked items to rotisserie chicken to crispy chips and casseroles. Even better, they consume a lot less energy than an oven.
Slow Cookers – An average slow cooker is five times more cost-effective to operate than an electric oven. The slow cooker is found to use just slightly more energy than a conventional light bulb.
We have all of these energy-saving appliances available in-store or click and collect at Home Hardware Direct
Install double glazing
Double-glazed doors and windows are an ideal choice for the modern home. These may dramatically minimise the greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling, together with lowering your carbon footprint and energy costs.
Use Less Water
Taking fast showers, using only the amount of water necessary while cooking, and shutting off running taps when not in use, even for a few seconds, are some simple ways to reduce your water usage.
Cook with the lid on
By cooking with the lid, you will considerably reduce the amount of water used in the cooking process as well as the amount of energy consumed.
Do your washing at a lower temp
You may conserve a lot of water and electricity by running a full load of laundry at a colder temperature.
Invest in a smart meter
A smart meter is a terrific tool for determining how much electricity you are using. It will help you monitor your usage in real-time and identify areas where you may cut back.
Use automated devices
Even when you forget, smart automated gadgets can help you save money on your energy costs. When you stop using a device, intelligent automation systems will recognise it and shut off the power.
Other Useful Tips
Block any drafts – There are several ways to save energy on heat, like using sealant and Polyfiller to stop wall crevices, sealant strips for the windows, and a good old-fashioned draught excluder.
Keep the door closed – Keep the heat inside by closing your internal doors, which will also stop chilly air from circulating through vacant rooms.
Layer Up – Put on a jumper (or perhaps two jumpers), curl up with a blanket, and wear two layers of thermal clothing for an efficient and affordable way to stay warm during winter. Perhaps invest in a heated blanket for those cold nights, they run on as little as 8 pence per night.
Wrap those radiators in foil – Instead of allowing heat to escape through the walls and be completely lost, placing a piece of foil between your radiator and wall will reflect heat back into the space. Foiling up your radiators will save energy and money whether you use regular aluminum foil or special radiator foil.
We hope you found these tips useful in helping keep your energy bills low, and the winter cold at bay.