As winter approaches and colder temperatures arrive, we start to reach for the thermostat which means higher energy usage and in turn, higher energy costs.
There are ways you can keep costs down by ensuring your home is ready for winter. In this blog, we will share some useful tips and ideas of how you can save energy during winter.
Well insulated homes maintain warmth and reduce the need to use excessive energy to maintain warmer temperatures.
a) Insulate your loft or roof space: Around 25% of your homes heat is lost through the loft / roof space due to poor insulation.
b) Insulate cavity walls: Around 35% of the heat in your home can be lost through walls that aren’t sealed properly.
c) Draught proof your home: Use draught excluders to prevent heat from escaping by blocking any gaps in doors, chimneys, or floors.
d) Hot water efficiency: You could save up to £40 per year by insulating your pipes and hot water tank. Insulating them will keep the water hotter for longer.
Ensuring your heating system is in top shape and functioning correctly will keep costs down whilst keeping you warm through winter.
a) Service your boiler regularly: If your boiler isn’t functioning correctly, it can be wasting energy and therefore, wasting money. Having your boiler serviced at regular intervals ensures it is working safely and as it should be.
b) Upgrade old boilers: ‘A’ rated condenser boilers can save between £150 - £300 per year. If your boiler is over 10 years old, you should consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient version.
c) Use a smart thermostat: Consider installing a smart thermostat such as Nest. These systems learn your household routines, so you waste less energy heating your home unnecessarily.
Smart meters give you near real time information on your energy consumption so you can see what appliances are using the most energy. This can help you make better choices like adjusting your thermostat settings, turning it off when not needed, or reducing the use of appliances that use the most energy.
Prepayment smart meters display credit balances and notify you when your balance is running low, so you know to top-up. Seeing how much energy you’re using and how much it costs encourages you to be more mindful of what you use.
Over time, switching to energy efficient lights and appliances can lead to considerable savings.
a) LED lighting: LED lights consume 90% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs which can save you up to £40 per year.
b) Energy efficient appliances: Look for appliances with the highest energy ratings (A++ or A+++) as these use the least electricity.
c) Switch off devices: Electronics that are plugged in but are not being used can still use power, even though they’re on standby. You could save around £40 per year by unplugging TV’s, computers, chargers etc when they’re not in use.
Using sunlight and natural heat from the sun is an economic and eco friendly way to warm your home. You can get maximum exposure from sunlight in your home by opening your curtains during the daytime so that natural heat flows into your home, raising the temperature.
During the nighttime, use thermal curtains to keep the heat from escaping from your home as they are designed to minimise heat loss. They can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
Soft furnishings add an extra layer of warmth and cosiness that is much needed during winter.
a) Carpets and rugs: Covering your floor with carpets and rugs will retain heat and prevent heat loss through the floor. It also improves underfoot comfort and keeps you warm overall.
b) Thermal throws and blankets: One of the best and cheapest ways to stay warm is to use thermal blankets and throws. They maintain warmth and enable you to stay comfortable without needing to reach for the thermostat.
We inevitably use more energy during the winter, however these top energy saving tips can help you keep your house warm whilst also helping you to reduce your energy usage and in turn, keep your energy costs lower.
E (Gas and Electricity) is here to help and assist you. Do not hesitate to call or contact us if you need further clarification on these features. visit www.e.org/switching-to-us.
Or, if you're already with us and you'd like to upgrade to a smart meter, please use the contact us form.