Household energy bills increased by 54% in April 2022 and are set to increase by a further 80% in October 2022. A further large price rise in January is also widely expected. These are some tips/ helpful advice on how to save money on your energy and heating bills.
Is your boiler working correctly?
A boiler that is energy efficient will save you money in the long run as well as being better for the environment. To ensure your boiler is working efficiently you should ask yourself the following questions about your boiler.
How old is your boiler? If your boiler is 10 years or older, it is most likely not as efficient as some newer A rated boilers and therefore could be costing you more money than you should be paying. High efficiency is important when it comes to saving money on your energy bills, otherwise energy is just going to waste.
Do you have a standard or condensing boiler? Condensing boilers are much more efficient than standard boilers, with standard boilers rarely being over 80% efficient.
When did you last have your boiler serviced? An annual boiler service is always recommended to ensure your boiler is working at its maximum efficiency. It helps improve the reliability of your boiler and keeps your warranty valid. An annual boiler service can fix any issues right away, preventing your boiler from breaking down in the future.
How long should you have your heating on for?
Are you debating if you should turn your heating on or off when it is needed, or keep it on low all day? Energy Saving Trust revealed that leaving the heating on all day isn’t actually cheaper. You are better off to just use the heating when you need it! This is because naturally your home is constantly losing heat to the outside world, therefore heating your home when it is needed you will only lose a minimal amount.
Once your heating is on, think about whether you should turn the temperature down by one degree, by doing this you could save over 10% a year on your energy bill and one degree is only a slight difference in heat.
What are the top tips for saving energy?
- If you are reluctant to turn your heating on, make sure to wrap up and and have a hot drink to keep you warm.
- Stop draughts in your home. You could even invest in a draught stopper under your doors to keep the heat in.
- Make sure to keep windows shut.
- Time your heating. Set a timer for when you know you will be home and use the heating. Do not have it set for when you are out or the heat will go to waste.
- Turn off all switches by the plug socket when not in use, this can save around £55 per year.
- Make the most when washing clothes in the washing machine and put them on a 20 degree wash, this will save around £50 per year.
- Avoid using the tumble dryer.
- Swap your bath for a shower. A shower uses around ⅓ of the amount of water used compared to a bath.
- Avoid overfilling your kettle when boiling it to save around £15 per year.
- Run your large appliances off peak. Off peak times vary however it is typically 10pm – 8am, therefore do your washing machine or dishwasher load during this time.
- Have your boiler set to heat water on off-peak times. This allows your water to heat up overnight whilst it is cheaper. If you need a boost of hot water during the day then put the peak switch on and wait around 20 minutes before use.
- Have shorter showers or shower at the gym.
- Hand wash your dishes instead of using the dishwasher.
- Switch to LED lights.
- Go into your work office instead of working from home. Save electricity, water and heating by using it all at your work.
