The clocks have yet to be reset, and just when we were breathing a sigh of relief that energy prices had finally dropped, fear is creeping in as we face the possibility of heating our houses this winter.
Fortunately, we contacted the experts, who provided their best advice for maintaining an energy efficient house and reducing those expenses to a minimal in the coming months.
Unplugging quiet energy vampires and converting to LED lights may make a major difference in your expenses, and if you have money to spare, investments in heat-saving measures like insulation will soon pay for themselves.
Vacuum your fridge
To keep the coils of your refrigerator clean, run your hoover nozzle over the rear of it. ‘The coils can’t perform as effectively if they’re coated in dust and filth,’ explains Stephen Day of boiler business iHeat. Dusty coils can increase the amount of energy used by your refrigerator by up to 25%, according to Stephen.
Decrease boiler flow temperature
According to Greig Millar of energy provider Ovo, dialling down the ‘flow temperature’ on a combi boiler may save around £65 per year. Most boilers are configured to operate at 70°C to 80°C, but Greig claims they will perform more effectively at 60°C.
Unplug ‘vampire’ appliances
According to Mark Sait, founder of the website SaveMoneyCutCarbon, items left on standby, notably televisions, cost homes up to £95 per year.
Programme your thermostat
Now is the moment to make the most of your smart thermostat or radiator control. Make sure your heating isn’t on when you’re not at home or in places you don’t use.
Move your furniture
According to Sebrina McCullough of the Money Wellness blog, a few inches may make a big difference in radiator performance. ‘You should allow six to twelve inches between any furniture and radiators to guarantee free flow of air and heat circulation,’ she explains.
If you have a little money to spare…
Block off your chimney
It will make your house cooler unless you utilise your open chimney for a fire or wood burner. According to Liverpool University study, blocking it up may save £96 every year.
Have your boiler serviced
It might be difficult to get a professional to repair your boiler during the coldest months of the year. According to Kevin Pratt, energy expert at Forbes Advisor, having it serviced now might save you money.
Switch to LED light bulbs
According to the Energy Saving Trust, switching from incandescent to LED light bulbs may cut carbon emissions by up to 40kg each year. You might save up to £7 per year with each 60W bulb in your house.
Draught-proof your doors
According to Greig Millar of Ovo, investing £4.79 on two rolls of draught-proofing tape might save you £50 per year.
Insulate with window film
If you don’t have double glazing, your pricey heat is escaping through the windows. Window film costs between £7 and £10 and may save you £43 each year.
More expensive home improvements…
Solar panels
‘Despite the high initial cost, solar panels may save you up to £420 per year on your energy costs,’ says Philip Brennan of energy-switching portal UK Power. Solar panels cost around £7,000 on average.
Loft insulation
Forbes contributor Kevin Pratt believes that insulating a semi-detached loft will cost between £600 and £700 if done correctly. ‘If you turned your thermostat down, you could save that on your expenses in four or five years and be considerably warmer right immediately,’ he adds.
Wall insulation
According to Shaun Starr of the website Love Energy Savings, you lose 30 to 40% of your heat via your walls. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the installation cost should be repaid in five years or less owing to energy bill reductions.
