Heating and hot water cost a substantial amount for the average UK household every month. Individual requirements will vary, but we can safely say these costs account for a considerable chunk of your income annually, whoever you are.
Happily, there are ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
Here are our top tips for saving money and making your home nice and cosy.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Why not turn down your thermostat? Reducing the heat by even a few degrees will save on your heating costs and you probably won’t even notice the difference.
Thermostatic radiator valves allow you to fine tune the temperature in every room, so there’s no need for unnecessary heating in rooms that aren’t in use.
2. Insulate Your Radiators
Even with the thermostat turned down you can still have plenty of heat. Radiator reflector panels can reflect back up to 95% of the heat generated at the back of the radiator. It’s almost like you’re using the same heat twice but paying for it only once!
3. Switch to Smart Controls
With smart heating, you can adjust the temperature even if you’re out by using a mobile app. If you install a smart meter at home, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on exactly how much everything is costing.
4. Don’t Ignore Dripping Taps
It’s easy to put off little household tasks like sorting out a dripping tap. However, this is a guaranteed way to waste an awful lot of water, and you’re paying for every drop. In the space of a week a constant drip is enough to fill half a bath, so don’t be complacent. Get it fixed and make sure taps are carefully turned off.
5. Monitor Your Water Use
Think about how you use the shower or washing machine. Even a couple of minutes less in the shower will save you money.
Don’t be tempted to use the washing machine for small loads. Wait until you’ve got enough for a big wash and you’ll reduce water waste and keep the cost down. Plus, by using temperatures of 40°C or 30°C you’ll save at least a 1/3 on your electricity, and your wash will be perfectly clean and fresh.
6. Insulate Your Home
Cavity wall insulation will save you money and make everything warmer. Up to a third of your heating costs go straight out through the walls if they aren’t properly insulated. Heat goes out through the loft as well, so some insulation here is a good idea as well – and it may be possible to get help with the costs.
7. Draught Proof Your Home with Energy-Efficient Doors and Windows
However careful you are you’ll still be wasting heat and money if your windows and doors aren’t up to scratch. Indeed, windows are the biggest culprit when it comes to heat loss.
Wooden sash windows and timber exterior doors are particularly troublesome, as wood contracts and expands due to changes in temperature and moisture. This leaves draughty gaps and in the case of old sash windows a lot of chilly rattling when the wind blows.
At The Window Centre, our extensive range of high-quality, energy-efficient doors and windows will keep your home warm and cosy, and help to save money on your energy bills as well.
Our stylish, practical and thermally efficient doors and windows are tailor-made to your requirements using the latest materials and, rest assured, our standards are the very highest.