Energy
Brrrr! Making the most of our energy and keeping our bills down can be a tricky subject to master, but there are lots of practical things we can do to keep our homes warm and save money throughout the winter.
Did you know dialing down your thermostat 1°C could save the average UK household around £100 a year? Last year’s record high temperatures meant that UK households consumed 14% less energy than in 2021, but with rising costs of living there’s still plenty of ways to cut back on bills when we look at the ways we use energy every day.
Every time we turn on the light, switch on a plug, or use hot water, the energy that we use comes directly from the National Grid. Whilst the UK is generating more energy from clean and renewable sources every year, lots of this energy comes from burning fossil fuels; one of the main causes of climate change.
Here are some simple changes you can start making right now…
From our friends at Money Saving Expert:
Fitting a hot water cylinder jacket could reduce heat loss by up to 75% and save you as much as £45 a year.
Turning radiator valves down to between 2.5 and 3 in rooms you don’t use could save you around £70 a year.
Other top tips:
Switching your lights to low energy bulbs - LED lights are a bright idea that use 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer.
Saving hot water - opt for shorter showers (aim for 4 minutes!) instead of baths, pop a pan lid on when cooking, use a washing-up bowl when doing dishes by hand and only boil enough water in the kettle for the cups of tea you’re making.
Swapping your energy supplier - power your home with wind, solar, or hydro power to make a really big difference. It can often be cheaper too, if you find a good supplier.
Ready to tap in? Make your energy go further than ever with these resources:
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