As the cold weather arrives and energy costs still continue to skyrocket, many households will be facing the challenge of balancing warmth and budget. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies to save on your energy bill during the colder winter months.
By implementing these measures, you can keep your home cosy without overspending on gas and electricity…
Choose a new home!
It might surprise you to know that by simply owning a new home rather than an older property, you could instantly be saving huge amounts on your energy bills.
As part of the HBF’s Watt a Save Report, an analysis of energy performance data for new and older properties, found that energy bills for new homes are on average 55% cheaper, saving households £135 on monthly running costs. To make more sense of these stats – the average new build property uses approximately 9,414 kWh a year, as compared to older properties which use an annual average of 21,040 kWh meaning that the average new build uses over 55% less energy a year.
This means that collectively new build homebuyers are saving over £400 million a year in energy bills, as well as collectively reducing carbon emissions by over 500,000 tonnes!
Optimise your thermostat usage
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to save on winter energy bills is to make sure that you’re optimising your thermostat usage. Set your thermostat timer program so that the temperature lowers when you’re away from home or sleeping during the night, and consider a modern Smart device, which will allow you to schedule temperature adjustments, ensuring that you’re not heating an empty house. Smart devices will also allow you to monitor and alter the thermostat from your phone or tablet even when you’re not at home.
Keep the warmth in with curtains and blinds
During the colder months, you can really leverage your window coverings to your advantage. Not only do curtains and blinds help to make a room feel more cosy and comfortable during the evening and at night, but when closed they help to trap heat inside a room without letting it escape and without letting the cold in.
Incidentally, keeping curtains and blinds open during the day will allow natural sunlight to warm your home. This passive solar heating technique can be surprisingly effective in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during the day without needing to turn any artificial heating on.
Use layers to insulate
Layering is a helpful technique to help keep both you and your home warm. Embrace the cosy season by wearing warm clothing, socks, slippers and wooly sweaters. This way, you can keep your thermostat lower without sacrificing comfort.
Similarly, you can use a similar layering technique as part of your home decor. Layering rugs, blankets and throws can all help to keep the warm in as well as maintain that lovely Hygge vibe.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
If you want to make a long-term impact on lowering your energy consumption, then modernising certain electrical appliances could really make a difference.
LED light bulbs, for example, use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. While the initial investment may be higher, the energy savings over time make it a cost-effective choice.
Do your research to find energy-efficient appliances that suit your needs and look for appliances that are designed to consume less energy and reduce environmental impact. Compare energy ratings, features, and customer reviews to make informed decisions.
Limit hot water usage
Lowering the temperature on your water heater is a simple way to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, be mindful of hot water usage and the length of which you use it. Take shorter showers, don’t fill your bath too full, and program your dishwasher to clean at a lower, more eco-friendly setting. These small adjustments can all add up.
Unplug Electronics when not in use
According to The Energy Saving Trust, you can save around £55 a year on energy just by remembering to turn your appliances off at the plug.
Many electronics consume energy even when turned off, so remember to unplug devices before bed or use smart power strips to cut off power to multiple devices at once. This prevents standby power usage and helps lower your overall electricity consumption. Check kettles, toasters, computers and air fryers for a few quick wins to start you off!
Cook more efficiently
Adjusting your cooking techniques could also help you to become more energy-efficient in your kitchen area.
Using lids on pots to retain heat, matching the pot size more closely to the volume of food you are cooking and using smaller, more energy-efficient appliances like a slow cooker, microwave, or toaster oven for smaller meals could also make your kitchen cheaper and easier to run.
Monitor your consumption closely
Once you’ve incorporated the energy-saving strategies that work for you, the next step is to stay informed about your energy usage by monitoring your bills or Smart devices.
Smart thermostats, energy monitors, and other modern devices can provide real-time data on your energy consumption, helping you make informed decisions to optimise usage on a daily basis.
By incorporating these practical strategies into your winter routine, you can significantly reduce your energy bills without compromising comfort.
Remember to also check out our other helpful blog articles to keep up-to-date with all the latest news and advice for new homeowners.