With the cost of living rising, many of us are looking at ways to keep our energy bills low. Here are a few tips and tricks that may help to keep costs down, and ready for when summer comes to an end.
Think About Your Location Before Purchasing
When you are purchasing your home, take note of the position of the sun throughout different times of the day. Houses that don’t see much sunlight will always feel colder and may be difficult to heat. This can also often lead to damp conditions. Estate agents in Brentwood and other local areas would be able to advise you on this.
Invest In A New Boiler
Replacing your boiler isn’t a cheap initial outlay, but the savings could add up in the long run. This is perfect if you have just moved into a new house and are thinking of updates amidst home renovations. Some older G-rated boilers could end up costing you over £300 more than you need to spend on your energy bills. Instead, opt for an A-rated boiler with heating controls. Low-income families may be able to claim assistance on boiler replacements, so it is worth checking your rights before purchasing!
Replace Your Windows
A huge amount of heat can be lost from within the home, simply through old and draughty windows. Upgrading to double glazing is a good place to start. Don’t forget to check that your glass and surrounding woodwork, bay windows and other areas are properly secured without any gaps.
Insulate Your Property
If you have a large attic space it is worth ensuring that you have good levels of insulation. This will help to retain heat inside of your property, without it being lost through the roof. There are some home insulation grants available which may be worth looking into.
Switch Provider
Switching energy providers could save you money and allow you to seek out more competitive prices. You may also find better customer service and additional bonuses with new providers, depending on what their sign-up terms are.
Simple Household Energy-Saving Tips
You can often save energy simply by changing or adjusting some of your day-to-day habits. For example
- Lower Your Thermostat: changing your thermostat settings may allow for better energy savings. You could even get a smart thermostat which may further assist you. Some of these can now be controlled via your mobile phone for ease and peace of mind that you’ll be coming home to the perfect temperature each day.
- Change Your Lightbulbs: changing your lightbulbs to energy-saving bulbs will help you to save money in the long run. Replacing these throughout your home, but especially in areas where you regularly leave the lights on for longer periods of time should see good results.
- Water Usage: when boiling the kettle, think about using just enough for each specific use. For example, if you are making a cup of tea, boiling just the amount you are going to use could help to lower your energy costs.
