Soaring energy bills are one of the main concerns in many households. According to research recently carried out by The Guardian, the price of gas and electricity has increased by a whopping 37 per cent in the last 3 years. The report also shows that there are 2.6 million households in the United Kingdom that are in arrears with regards to their gas and electricity payments. If you are worried about the rising cost of energy and want to reduce your bills without compromising your standards of living, read on to find some useful tips.
Avoid standby
Get into the habit of switching off any electrical equipment that is not in use instead of leaving it on standby. This applies to many types of appliances, like microwaves, computers, wi-fi routers, or television screens. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could sve up to £90 a year by simply doing this.
Insulate your home
Research has shown that up to 25 per cent of the heat generated in a house can be lost due to poor insulation. By insulating your home and making it more energy-efficient, you can cut down on energy bills and feel more comfortable at home. There are govenment-sponsored grants available for those interested in fitting wall cavity and loft insulation systems, so check with your local authority to see what financial help is available in your area.
The simple things
There are many simple things you can do to reduce your energy consumption. These include using the cold water program in your washing machine, using the kettle to boil only the exact amount of water that you need every time, covering your pans and pots with a lid when you are cooking, defrosting your freezer regularly, and avoiding the common habit of leaving clothes to dry on the radiator.
One degree at the time
Studies have shown that by simply turning the heating thermostat down by 1 degree, you can save up to £65 a year. Moreover, you will also be cutting down on your carbon footprint, and the best thing is that your comfort levels will not be affected.
Insulate your water cylinder
If your hot water system uses a water tank or cylinder, make sure that the tank is protected against cold temperatures by covering it with a cylinder jacket. This could result in savings of £45 per year. Note do not try to insulate tanks outside that store oil or gas, however if your tank when first installed can be under ground this can help slightly. See www.claddaghoil.com for more information on oil products.
Making the most of technology
Did you know that you can now control your heating system from your mobile phone or tablet? Hive Active Heating is a useful technological advance that can help you save by allowing you to remotely switch on or off your heating system or adjust the temperature. This application also features an active frost detection alarm, which will alert you before the pipes freeze. All in all, you could cut down your annual energy bills by £150.
Smart lighting choices
Halogen light bulbs consume an enormous amount of heat and energy, so look for alternative sources of lighting, such as LED bulbs, which consume up to 90 per cent less energy than their halogen counterparts. Other options include reflector bulbs or compact flourescent lights.
Leslie writes business articles for companies in the UK and Ireland.
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