Eight Tips For Saving Energy Costs This Winter

40% of us are avoiding switching on the heating due to worries about energy bills.

Turn down your thermostat by 1°C

According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning your heating down by only 1°C can save you 10% on your annual heating bill. It’s safe to say that just the smallest of margins could make a huge difference.

Put a jumper on

It’s a real “Dad” thing to say but before you stick your heating on, why not put on a jumper or wrap up in a blanket? It’s an easy and cheap way to get warmer and if you’re still cold, get a hot water bottle!

Get cavity wall insulation

The savings you can make with cavity wall insulation will vary greatly depending on your home but any saving is a good saving in our opinion. Most homes built after 1919 have cavity walls and adding insulation could save you up to £155 a year (in an average semi-detached home).

Block any draughts

There are loads of ways you can save energy on heat around the home without spending a fortune. Investing a couple of pounds in a letterbox cover or keyhole disc will stop the heat escaping through your front door. A good DIY draught proofing job could cost as little as £85, saving you up to £35 every year and making your home a more comfortable place to live.

Don’t forget about the sun

It might be cold outside but opening your curtains and allowing sunlight to naturally heat your home will reduce the chill you feel from cold windows. When evening draws in, close the curtains again to keep the heat in.

Wash your clothes at 30°C

90% of a washing machine’s energy is spent heating the water so the lower the temperature you use, the cheaper it will be for you. As a good rule of thumb, you should also try to avoid washing half loads.

Unplug unused appliances

Fridges and freezers are always on and there’s not much that can be done about that but you can save energy by turning off other electronic appliances such as microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines and electric ovens. When left on standby, these appliances will eat up electricity so try to get into the habit of unplugging them.

Only boil what you need

If you’re making a cup of tea for one, measure out the right amount of water in a mug and pour it into your kettle. Boiling several litres for one cuppa is a huge waste of energy!

What tips have you got to stay warm during the cold winter nights? Share your thoughts with us and tweet @blueoakestates.