It's
predicted that this will be the worst winter since 1947. With Arctic
winds, heavy snow and sub zero temperatures, this winter will not
only be the coldest for the UK, but possibly the most expensive.
Here
are some top tips to help you save money during the coldest of
months.
1.
Replace your boiler
Boilers
contribute up to 55% towards your annual energy bills*, so it's worth
looking in to whether you could benefit from a new boiler. Modern
boilers work more efficiently by heating quicker while preserving
energy.
2.
Turn down your thermostat
By
turning your thermostat down by
1
degree, closing your curtains, shutting doors and using draft
excluders you can contain the heat and keep warm.
 |
| Use a 30 degree wash and save energy |
If
you are buying a new washing machine look out for the Energy SavingTrust Recommended logo. These machines will be far more efficient and
cheaper to run.
Wash
your clothes at 30 degrees. Most detergents work effectively at a
lower temperature and by cleaning at 30 degrees you are using
approximately 40% less energy than higher temperatures*.
You
can also save on your bill by only washing a full load and not using
a tumble dryer. Use a clothes airer instead and speed up drying
time by placing the airer in a room where you have the heating on.
4.
Water
A
leaking hot water tap uses up more energy then you think (and can
waste more than 5,500 litres of water a year), make sure that you
check all of your taps an ensure that washers and taps are in a good
condition. You can also make further savings by installing lower flow
taps.
Take
less baths – a standard bath fills around 80 litres of water, but
taking a four minute shower (with a water-efficient showerhead) uses
just 32 litres**.
5.
Insulation
Insulating
your water tank is one of the best ways to conserve energy and save
money; make sure that you insulate any visible pipes for further
savings.
6.
Kitchen savings
Always
make sure that your dishwasher is full and on an energy saving
setting before turning it on. Make sure that all food is scraped off
plates, pans and utensils and that salt and rinse aid are topped up
to ensure a thorough wash.
Turn
off your taps! A running hot water tap wastes more than six litres of
water a minute*.
You
can also save money by only boiling the water you need when using the
kettle and investing in energy efficient appliances when you can.
 |
| Have you checked your radiator? |
7. Upgrade your heater
Storage heaters are well known for wasting vast amounts of energy. You could install a new central heating system, but if that's not possible you can upgrade your current system. You can install storage heaters which have better controls or fit thermostats to make your heating work more efficiently.
8 Turn off your plugs
Leaving
your electric appliances on stanby can significantly contribute to a
higher energy bill. Unplug and switch off your appliances to save
between £50 - £90 a year*.
9 Replace your light bulbs
For
the biggest savings invest in some LED or CFL bulbs. They use much
less electricity and last for 15 – 20 years.
10.
Switch suppliers
This
winter has seen the majority of energy suppliers increase their
rates. There is still time to change supplier and save some pennies.
Visit U Switch
to compare prices and see if you can save this winter.
Contact us if you would like to find out more about replacing your boiler or upgrading your heating.
*source:
EnergySaving Trust
**
source: WaterWise
