Saving energy this winter
Here are our top Tips for reducing energy usage (and spending!) while ensuring your home stays warm and cozy this winter. Doug Stewart of 100Green: “I admit that a few people might think I’m being a bit obvious, but most of us speak the truth but do not follow through. Small things like this can are a big difference. They help reduce the amount of waste you consume, cut down on your consumption and cut down on the cost of energy What’s not to love? Instead of just selling electricity and gas, we’re also doing our part to help the planet.
Draw the curtains
One of the simplest and possibly oldest ways to reduce energy usage and make your home more comfortable is to draw blinds or curtains. These will stop cold out and stop heat from getting out.
It’s the little things that matter
You’ll be able to remember this whenever you feel that cold draft coming through your mailbox every morning. Insulating the small gaps, whether in the letterbox or the cat flap, will help keep your home cozy and warm. Utilizing rubber or brush draft excluders or insulating tape is a simple solution.
Hot water and heating timers
A lent misconception concerning the hot water supply is that it must be keptroughout the day. This could cost you a tiny sum. In the same way, leaving your heating on all day long when you’re working isn’t making sense either. Most boilers for hot and central heat have timers that can be programmed, and it is possible to purchase smartphone apps that control your heating while away from your home. Set your timers according to when you require the heater and hot water to turn on, leaving enough time for your home to heat up and cool down. You can set your water to heat only when you need it. If your tank or hot water cylinder is well-insulated, it is possible you can use the water you use in the morning remains sufficiently hot to use during the evening.
Adjust the temperature
The typical UK weather fluctuates during the lead towards winter; even during winter months, it’s recommended to be aware of the temperatures of the heating system and adjust it to the conditions. With heating for your home and hot water representing over 50% of a household’s energy cost, It’s sensible to cut costs wherever you can. For instance, by setting the thermostat in your room by one degree, you could save 10 percent off your heating bills and save approximately PS90 every year.
Dispel those icy Draughts
Draught proofing is among the most effective and cost-effective ways to keep your home warmer and more energy efficient. Draughts can let air in too much cold and waste energy. To make your home draught-proof, you must block any unwanted spaces that let cold air in while letting calm air escape. By limiting warm air, you’ll require less energy to heat your home and save money while making your home more comfortable.
Draught-proofing doors and windows can help you save PS25 to PS50 annually. Draught-free homes are cozier at lower temperatures, which means you can reduce your thermostat. This can save you an additional 10 percent off your heating bill. The most common culprits of drafts are doors and windows. Plastic or metal strips with wipers or brushes attached are the best choice. Self-adhesive foam strips are less expensive and easier to set up. However, they might not last longer. Loft hatches can often get forgotten. If you’re insulating your loft space, don’t overlook the hatch! Floorboards can also be a significant source of draughts, similar to fireplaces and chimneys.
Make sure you have roof insulation
An astounding 25% of the heat is lost through the roof. It is possible to save up to PS250 annually by insulating your LOFT. You can also get a payback of less than two years.
Switch off to save money
Ensure that the radiators or heaters are turned off in rooms you do not use. If thermostats remain full in these rooms, you are losing energy. If the rooms aren’t being used, turn or switch them off!
Beware of those pipes!
Pipe insulation is often overlooked; however, it is vital. If they are not insulated, they will become frozen. Insulation is easily put over exposed pipes to prevent heat from escaping, reducing energy bills.
Turn off the standby button
TVs, set-top boxes, mobile phone chargers, DVDs, Stereos, games consoles, and PCs consume small amounts of power when connected but not turned on. While the energy used by standby is not significant, the total energy consumption can add up. Turn off the standby and reduce the energy you use between PS50 and PS80 every year.
Stay Clear!
Take large objects out of radiators. These could stop heat from moving throughout the room. And why would you want to heat your couch when you’re the one who needs to be warm?
