For many families, the energy bill is one of the biggest expenses they face. With the cost of living on the rise, it's all the more important to find effective ways to reduce our gas and electricity usage.
Not only does this help our pockets, but it also benefits the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. Here are 5 simple, effective steps you can take to cut down on your energy consumption and manage your bills more effectively.
Tip #1 Turn Off Standby Appliances
By simply turning off appliances at the plug, you could save on average £30 a year.
Smart plugs or timer plugs can help manage this automatically, ensuring you're not wasting electricity on devices that aren't in use.
Tip #2 Install A Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can make your heating more efficient by only warming the rooms you are using.
They can also often be controlled remotely via your phone, which means you can adjust your home's temperature from anywhere.
By installing room thermostats and controls, you could save approximately £75 annually.
Tip #3 Turn Down Your Thermostat
It's an easy change, but lowering your thermostat by just one degree can reduce your heating bills significantly, potentially saving on average up to £80 a year.
Considering that heating and hot water account for nearly half of your energy bills, this small adjustment can make a big difference.
Tip #4 Insulate Your Roof
Heat rises, and without proper insulation, it can escape through your roof.
Although insulating your loft can cost several hundreds of pounds upfront, it can shave anywhere between £100 and £150 off your energy bills each year if you live in a typical semi-detached house.
Tip #5 Buy Efficient Appliances
When it's time to replace old appliances, choosing ones with high energy-efficiency ratings is a good start.
For instance, an A+++ rated washing machine can save you money over time when compared to a less efficient model.
Although these savings may seem insignificant at a first glance, when they compound year on year they soon add up, potentially leading to less money for you to do the things you love to do.