How to save money on heating
(reference: uSwitch.com)
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C and save as much as £60 per year.
Also, if you keep your heating on constantly on a low heat, you might save more money than switching it on and off for big blasts of heat.
Wear more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house, and put an extra blanket on the bed.
Turn the pressure down on the power shower.
When using the oven, bake a few meals at a time to get the most out of having your oven on.
Leave the oven door open after cooking to let the heat warm your kitchen.
Scrape dishes and load them directly into the dishwasher. Don’t pre-rinse the dishes in hot water.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer full so they don’t have to work as hard. It also uses less energy.
If your cooker has a small ring, use a small pan. Don’t waste energy by using a large ring.
90% of a washing machine’s energy expenditure is spent on heating the water; so wash your clothes at 30-40 °C.
Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble drying it, particularly if there’s warm or windy weather.
Take your clothes out of the dryer before they’re completely dry – they’ll iron much quicker and you’ll use less energy on your drier.
Unplug all the appliances that you don’t use regularly – even chargers continue to use electricity when they aren’t charging. And do not leave appliances on standby.
On sunny days, open your curtains to let warmth into your house – and when it’s colder, or the sun goes down, close them to keep the heat in.
Get free cavity wall insulation through government full and partial grants.
Get free loft insulation. Because heat rises, as much as 25% of the heat in your house could be disappearing into your loft space. Keep in mind that older properties that already have insulation in place may not have the recommended levels ie those insulated in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Apply for a loft insulation grant.
Get free solar panels. Having solar panels installed on your house could save you as much as a third on your electricity bills. Check for grants.
Apply for an energy-saving grant. There are plenty of energy-saving grants available to help with the cost of home improvements.
Compare gas and electricity prices to get the best deal.
