With energy prices soaring at a faster rate than wages, it’s no wonder that many people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. The first step to saving money on your heat and fuel at home is to make sure you’re on the right energy plan. This is a simple step that many people fail to take.
When your fixed term contract comes to an end, your energy supplier will move you to a default tariff which is never the best deal they have. Energy suppliers rarely reward loyalty, so if you can get a better deal elsewhere, don’t be scared to switch.
Once you’re on the best deal available, the next step is to think about ways you can actually reduce your consumption of gas and electricity. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your home is as efficient as can be. Read on to discover the best ways to save heat and fuel in your home…
Get a smart meter
A normal energy meter is usually found outside of the home and doesn’t have a very user-friendly interface. A smart meter, on the other hand, is far more user-friendly. It will show you how much energy you are using at any point in time and also give you an indication of how much it will cost. Having this kind of visual cue around the home might make you think twice about running the tumble drier. It can also help in a home with young children who might leave lights turned on.
Get your boiler serviced
Running an inefficient boiler and central heating system is just like throwing money down the drain. From cold spots on your radiators to hot water thermostats being set far too high, there are so many things that a boiler service can flag up that will save you money. With YourRepair boiler cover, you get a free boiler service every year, so you can turn your heating on with confidence knowing that everything is working as it should. This can also help to prevent costly breakdowns and keep your boiler in warranty.
Understand your central heating controls
If you’ve just moved into your home, you’d be forgiven for not being completely comfortable with the heating controls. If you don’t have the manual to hand, search for it online and use it to figure out how to work your heating controls. You should make sure your heating runs on a timer so that you can set it and leave it. You should also check the temperature on your thermostat. Your thermostat should be set between 18-21°C. You can drop this down to around 12°C while you are away to save energy.
Insulate your home
Even just an extra few mm of insulation in your roof can make a huge difference to your heating bills. If you aren’t sure if your home is insulated, ask a professional to come in and look for ways you can improve. It’s not uncommon for homes to have fully insulated roofs but not have insulation on the loft hatch, leading to lots of lost heat in the winter months. Insulation also has the opposite effect in the summer, particularly in conservatories. Adding insulating film will not only retain the heat in winter, but it will also make it cooler in summer, meaning that you won’t have to crank up the air conditioning or run expensive fans to make the room comfortable.
Deal with draughts
Like insulation, draughts can lead to huge spikes in your heating bills. If you’ve ever sat in a room with a cold draught, you’ll know that it can make you want to reach for the thermostat in an attempt to stave off the cold. Turning up the heat is unlikely to do anything for the real feel of the room, instead, you need to tackle the source of the cold. Put rugs down over floorboards and address gaps underneath doors. Old style windows are also likely culprits if you can feel a draught. Use draught tape to seal any gaps, or simply draw the curtains to keep the cold air out.
Dry your clothes outdoors
Drying clothes can be a chore throughout the year. In winter, you might throw clothes on a radiator to get them dry, or pop them in the tumble drier. If possible, you should always try to dry your clothes outside. When you put clothes on the radiator, it not only makes your heating less effective but it also makes your home damp, which can make it feel colder than it is. The alternative? Dry your clothes outside when it’s dry and invest in an electric dryer rack for the cold and wet days. This will ensure your heating system can continue doing what it does best!
Make the most of the sun
You don’t have to have solar panels on your roof to make the most of the sun. First, think about which way your home is facing and when each window gets the most sunlight. If you want to keep your home warm, make sure you open the curtains when the sun is shining. This will not only help to keep your home warm, but it will also reduce your electricity bill as you won’t need to turn the lights on. This can be a huge help in the spring and autumn months when the temperature might still dip at night. Rather than reaching for the heating controls, you can simply let the sun warm your home during the day.
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