6 Ways To Cut Your Energy Usage (And Bills) At Home
Many of us are staying at home to help defeat coronavirus and you may be a little worried about how extra energy you are using will affect bills.
So, the experienced team at Expert Plumber share their top tips on how you can help keep your energy usage to a minimum – which is good to know for even when we come out of lockdown!
1) Turn off your appliances
Leaving your appliances in ‘stand-by mode’ doesn’t mean they are switched off. Things such as TV’s, microwaves and washing machines that still have that little light on are, in fact, still using energy so make sure to switch them off properly when you’re not using them.
If you’re working from home, it’s also a good idea to switch your computer off during lunch and at the end of each day to help save lots of precious electricity.
2) Block cold drafts
Blocking those chilly drafts that waft in under doors and through windows is a great way to make sure the heat in the room stays exactly where it’s meant to be so you won’t have to crank up the heating.
If you don’t have ready-made draft excluders at home, you can make your own using old tights and clothes you no longer use – a fun and practical activity to keep the whole family busy.
3) Turn off the lights
Ok, so we don’t mean you have to turn off every light in your house, just the ones you aren’t using. If you or a member of your household is notorious for forgetting, leave them a little reminder on a post it note stuck to the door or somewhere close by that they’re sure to see it.
If you don’t already have them, energy saving lightbulbs are a great way to reduce your energy use (and your bills) and are available to buy online – don’t forget to make sure delivery will be contact free.
4) Wash clothes at a lower temperature
Washing your clothes at a cooler 30˚ instead of 40˚ will help you to lower the amount of energy you use each time you do laundry. Plus, if you cut out just one load of washing a week, you’ll shave off a further £5 from your electric bill each year (and you’ll cut down on your chores too, yippee!).
Letting your wet clothes dry naturally on an airer or outside on the washing line, instead of in the tumble drier, will also save you lots of money in the long run.
5) Turn down your heating
Did you know that more than half of the money spent of fuel bills goes towards heating and hot water? But turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree can save you anywhere between £85 and £90 a year!
So, grab a jumper, lower that thermostat and enjoy the knowledge you’re saving money and helping the environment at the same time. As we move further into spring, this should become much easier too.
6) Switch your energy supplier
Switching energy supplier is possibly the best way to seriously cut down your energy bills – and since we’re all staying home for the next few weeks, there’s definitely no excuse to put it off any longer.
There is a whole host of different comparison websites that make the entire process quick and easy and, according to uSwitch, one of the leading energy switching services, you could save as much as £618 by swapping to another provider or deal.
Coronavirus has affected us all but Expert Plumber is still here to help you if your boiler breaks down. So, if your heating or hot water suddenly disappears during lock down, please don’t hesitate to contact our Gas Safe registered engineers today on 01202 081141.
We are also still providing quotations and bookings for new boiler installations, just please note we will be scheduling the fitting for a few weeks’ time to help ensure everyone’s safety.
