With energy prices rising, many of us will find it difficult to keep our homes heated this winter.
However, there are lots of ways in which you can keep your energy costs down to ensure you and your family can keep warm.
Here are some handy energy saving tips to help you become more energy efficient.
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Use alternatives methods to dry your clothes
Switch to LED bulbs
Switching your traditional light bulbs to modern LED’s, not only helps you save on your energy bills they’ll last longer too.
Do full laundry loads
While it can be tempting to put half a load of dirty clothes in the washing machine, it’s better to wait until you have a full basket of washing, as fewer full load washes are much more energy efficient.
Fill the Dishwasher up too!
The same rule applies to dishwashers, it’s more energy efficient to run a dishwasher when it’s full, according to the Energy Saving Trust, reducing dishwasher use by just one run a week could save £15 annually.
Filling the kettle
While it’s a good idea to fill up your washing machine and dishwasher, it’s best not to fill your kettle, especially if you’re only making a cuppa for yourself.
By filling your kettle to just the level you need, you could save up to a third of the energy that you’ve been using.
Eco settings
If you have eco settings on your washing machine, dishwasher, or boiler, using that will help heat the water more slowly and therefore uses less energy, it might take a little longer, but you’ll still get the same results.
Use alternatives methods to dry your clothes
While tumble dryers can be quick and convenient, they take a lot of energy. The Energy Saving Trust has calculated that you could save £60 a year if you don’t use one.
Instead of tumble drying, you could consider using an airer, though to avoid damp it’s best to open a window when using one. In the warmer months, if you’ve got a garden or balcony, do dry your washing outside.
Use your microwave
Microwaves are not only quick and convenient, but they also use a lot less energy than an oven or a stove.
If you have the time, a slow cooker is also a great option as they’re one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
Use less water when showering
Using less water not only reduces your water bills, but can reduce your energy bills too, because when you use less water, you usually heat less water.
One way of saving water is by taking less showers or by cutting down on the time you spend in the shower, cutting just a minute off your shower time could save you a few pounds each month.
If you don’t like the idea of showering less, another way you can save money on water is through a water saving shower head, thankfully you can purchase an eco-shower head without breaking the bank.
Your water supplier may also have some energy saving gadgets available too, so it’s worth getting in touch.
Keep the heat in
The last thing you want when you’re warming your home, is the heat escaping and the cold getting in.
You can help prevent this by closing your curtains in the evening, this will help keep the warmth in the room – but try not to drape them over radiators. However, don’t close your curtains in the day if it’s sunny, as the natural sunlight will warm your home.
It’s also best to keep your doors shut to stop any heat from escaping.
Identify draughts
It’s a good idea to have a walk round your home and identify any window and door draughts. Decent draught-proofing could cut 2% off energy bills on average for a typical home.
Simple methods such as sausage dog draught excluder on your doors could also help!
Insulating your home
One of the best ways you can keep the heat in and reduce your energy bills is by insulating your home.
There are lots of different insulation options available at varying costs, Energy Saving Trust has a handy guide on the options available at https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/insulating-your-home-back-to-the-basics/
Update your heating system
If you’re able to you could also consider updating your boiler.
New boiler models are a lot more energy efficient and could make a huge difference to your monthly bills in the long run.
An energy efficient boiler will also help your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating and could make your home more attractive if you’re considering selling.
Improve your EPC rating
You don’t have to spend lots to improve or keep your EPC rating high, small changes like replacing your bulbs with energy efficient LEDs or insulating your hot water cylinder with an insulation jacket will help.
For more tips on improving your homes EPC rating visit https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/tips-to-improve-the-epc-rating-of-your-home/
Grants and Initiatives
There are many different grants and initiatives available which could help you save money on your energy bills.
To find out which grants and initiatives you could be eligible for visit https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/
If money does become tight and you’re worried about keeping up with your mortgage payments, it’s best to get in touch with your lender to discuss your payment options as soon as possible.