We’re in the depths of winter, meaning skin is dry and energy costs are high. To ensure that your savings don’t go down as you turn the heat up, follow these seven energy tips:
- Turn the thermostat down. If you lower the temperature by just two degrees, Energy UK estimates you could save about £85 per year.
- Inspect window and door seams. While it may seem airtight, there could actually be a draft seeping around the frame. By sealing up these leaks, you could save £25 to £50 per year.
- Perform maintenance on your boiler. Like any other piece of machinery, your boiler can benefit from annual maintenance to clear out build-up, lubricate fans, change filters and tighten fan belts. On average, this could save you at least 10 per cent on your heating bills.
- Limit hot water use. Limit your showers to about 10 minutes to avoid overusing hot water. Also consider purchasing a hot water cylinder jacket and installing primary pipe work insulation, which together could save you up to £45 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
- Move your furniture. Avoid putting large pieces of furniture such as sofas near radiators, as the furniture ends up absorbing a lot of the heat.
- Use energy-saving light bulbs. Energy-saving light bulbs can last up to 10 times longer and can save you about £50 over the course of the bulb’s lifetime.
- Add more insulation in your attic. Insulating or adding extra insulation to your loft, attic or flat roof helps reduce heat loss and can lower your heating bill. Loft insulation is generally effective for at least 40 years, so it is a wise investment.