12 February 2019

  • Useful

Don’t be left out in the cold - Energy savings tips for you and your home

t’s that time of year where everyone is looking at alternative ways to save.

One of the first and easiest things people can look at is how to save energy in their homes.

The average household spends around £1,249 a year on heating and power, according to the Office of National Statistics, making energy one of the biggest annual costs for UK families.

1. Understanding your bill

Information on a typical energy bill can be confusing, but understanding it can go a long way to helping you get to grips with your energy usage at home.

Take note of the following

  • Tariff Name (useful when comparing with other providers)
  • Estimated usage in the last 12 months (this is estimated – always submit a meter reading)
  • Total kWh/total units used – this part of the bill will show you what your annual consumption is

2. Do your research – look at switching supplier

It pays to shop around. Research (Ofgem) has shown that switching supplier or energy tariff can make a big difference to your gas and electricity bills.

  • Use a comparison site or phone different energy suppliers to see if you can save by switching 

3. Switch off standby

Research (Energy Savings Trust) has shown that you can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn off your appliances off standby mode.

It may not look like much, but that little red light uses power all the time that it’s on.

4. In the kitchen

  • Only run your washing machine on a full load
  • Defrost fridges and freezers regularly
  • Only fill the kettle with the amount of water that you need

5. Draught proofing your home

Draught-proofing your home will help to prevent too much cold air from coming inside and warm air from escaping.

Check windows, doors, chimneys, floorboards and even cat flaps to see if there are any potential draughts.

6. Heating

  • Service your boiler once a year, every year
  • Use your central heating timer (not the thermostat) to turn your heating on and off
  • Keep your radiators clear
  • Invest in insulation

7. Bathroom

  • Don’t leave the tap running whilst brushing your teeth, shaving or washing
  • Take showers, not baths
  • Spend less time in the shower

8. Turn off your lights

It might seem obvious, but turning off your lights when you’re not using them will save you money on your energy bill.

9. Use energy-saving light bulbs

Fitting LED bulbs is a great way to save energy at home. It could even save you money as they last up to ten times longer than normal bulbs.

10. You could look into getting a smart meter

Get a smart meter upgrade free of charge – ask your energy supplier whether they can install one in your home. The government wants every home in the UK to have one by 2020.

Following these handy tips could help in lowering your energy bills, as well as doing your bit for the planet!

By Laura Staniland

@SheffieldMutual

Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist

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