Energy prices are going up again and despite the new energy cap its still making it life hard for all of us. Its also no surprise energy bills go up just as it starts to get colder.
So What’s On In My Town has done some research on ways to cut your energy bills. A lot of it is really simple actions we can all do. Ok saving £50 a year here and £70 there doesn’t sound a lot but it all adds up. Plus when reducing your energy consumption you are also helping to save the plant.
In this article we are only looking at Gas and Electricity. There are plenty of long term solutions such us switching to alternative energy, making sure your home is well insulated, fitting a new boiler etc. These are all worth doing but we are looking at what you can start doing today to start cutting your energy bill. We hope this gives you a few ideas.
GAS
For most households, central heating is responsible for more than half of your energy bill each year so in this section we will be looking at cutting back on your heating costs.
- Lower your thermostat, According to Moneysavingexpert.com, for each degree you cut the thermostat you can expect to cut your energy bills by around four per cent. That’s about £65 a year on average for a typical home. The World health Organisation recommend 18 degrees is enough for healthy adults, with slightly higher temperatures needed for the very old or young.
- If you are cold indoors, If you have done step 1 I have to state the obvious but pop on a jumper don’t turn up the heating. It works out a lot more cost effective.
Lower your water temperature, turning down the thermostat is what most people think to do but lowering the water temperature people forget. Most boilers or water heaters have the option to lower the temperature of the hot water that comes out of your taps and shower heads. If you’re finding the water that comes out of it too hot to touch, you’re likely to be wasting gas which means you are also wasting money, so try turning it down a few degrees until you reach the right temperature. Making sure your domestic hot water cylinder thermostat is set at 60-65ºC. This helps to kills germs in the water.
- Check your timings, when you set your heating to come on and off are the times correct? Will there be anyone in to benefit from you heating the house?. By checking your timings any reduction will save you money.
- Take shorter showers, it’s great to have a lovey warm shower, but did you know taking just a 4 min shower you could be saving on average annually over £70 according to the BBC News
- Give your radiators space, what we mean by this is make sure your radiators have space to let the heat out. By moving furniture or any obstructions away from them will help the heat circulate better and make your home warmer.
- Lower your thermostat, According to Moneysavingexpert.com, for each degree you cut the thermostat you can expect to cut your energy bills by around four per cent. That’s about £65 a year on average for a typical home. The World health Organisation recommend 18 degrees is enough for healthy adults, with slightly higher temperatures needed for the very old or young.
Other ways you can keep your home warm in the winter are check for draughts and use draught excluders , Keep your curtains closed at night when its cold and open when the sun is shining. If you have any ideas please leave them in the comments below.
Electricity
Saving on your electric bill, for most, is the easier of the 2 energies. Really simple actions can save you pounds in the short term and the year. In this section we will look at a few of these.
- Turn off unwanted lights, If you don’t need a light on turn it off. If you are not in a room turn the light off. Lighting makes up 11% of the average UK home’s electricity consumption according to Which Magazine
- Change your light bulbs, A LED or CFL bulbs uses between 70%-90% less energy then a normal bulb and last longer. LED are dearer but last twice as long as a CFL and uses the least amount of energy.
- Switch of your appliances, We all do it when we go to bed we use the remote to turn the telly off BUT its not off its on stand-by and still using energy same with microwaves and other appliances that have clocks digital clocks. Ask yourself do you need that clock on?
- Charging your phones, tablets and laptops when needed, again we have all got into the habit of plugging them in and just leaving them to charge but do you ever unplug them as soon as they are at 100%? If like me no. Not only are you wasting energy but damaging the battery.
- Boil only the water you need for your coffee/tea, One of the most energy consuming gadgets we have is an electric kettle. The longer it takes to boil the more it is charging your electric bill. Only add the correct amount of water for what you need. Don’t fill the kettle up for one cup of coffee/tea.
- Washing Machine, Tumble dryer and Dishwasher, Avoid using a tumble dryer where possible and hang out your washing to dry if you can. Also only use your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. It works out cheaper to do one big wash then loads of small washes.
- Turn off unwanted lights, If you don’t need a light on turn it off. If you are not in a room turn the light off. Lighting makes up 11% of the average UK home’s electricity consumption according to Which Magazine
Of cause these are just a few ideas we have found online. You just need to stop and think how you use your energy. If you have any saving tips please post in the comments below.
We hope this helps you and we know not everything is possible. If you are struggling to pay your bills speak to your energy supplier ASAP they may be able to help. Also contact your local Citizen Advice who will have information about what financial help is available.
Finally here is a short film from the BBC News with more great advice to help save you money on your energy bills.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided above is a guide only. We don’t guarantee how much anyone will be able to save or guarantee any savings.
Councillor Caroline Salmon, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Transform Housing do fantastic work turning round the lives of our homeless and vulnerable residents. Working with other funders, we have been able to assist them to secure two additional units of accommodation, which they will use to further develop their fantastic work. These units will combine extra provision of self-contained accommodation with a comprehensive support pack in line with the Housing First model of provision for those individuals in housing need.”
Councillor Hannah Dalton, who put forward the CIL bid, said, “The past two years have been extremely hard for everyone in the borough, but more so for those who have lost loved ones. These benches are our permanent memorial to all those affected by the pandemic.
Councillor John Beckett, Chair of Environment and Safe Communities Committee, added, “While these benches memorialise the pandemic, they also represent a time for reflection within the Borough. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to those we have lost, than to have something to remind us and generations to come.”
Karen Pengelly, Business Improvement District (BID) Manager (Go Epsom) said “it’s been a busy year organising Jubilee and Family Friday events as well as supporting our fantastic businesses.
Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Deputy Leader of MVDC, said: “While it has yet to be absolutely confirmed that we will be receiving our allocation of the UKSPF, it is only right that we begin to put plans in place for the next steps in this process. The prospect of financial support available to our local communities in years to come is very encouraging, particularly when you consider funding available via our 
