Although we are in March and Spring is just around the corner, the weather has different ideas. Instead of the expected sunny days, we’ve been subjected to cold temperatures, rainy days and even some snow in certain parts of the country!
With the cold temperatures still upon us, many of us are having to turn on the heating much more than expected this month. However, it is getting increasingly important to find ways to save energy in your home that are both low cost and low effort.
In this article, we take a look at ways you can reduce your heating bills. Read on to find out.
Adjust your radiators
During the cold months, it’s understandable that you may want to crank your central heating system up to the max and keep your home warm and cosy. However, this can contribute to high energy bills at the end of the month.
It’s recommended to reduce your thermostatic radiator valve by just 1 celsius. Doing this can help you save up to £55 a year!
If you have a combi-boiler, lowering the flow temperature can save up to 9% on your gas bill and ensure your boiler works more efficiently. Don’t forget to also turn off the heating controls in any room that aren’t frequently in use, so that no unnecessary energy is consumed.
Draught proof
You may be unknowingly using more energy for heating than necessary due to draughts. The slightest crack or gap in the windows or doors can cause a chill in the home. It is essential to check if any draughts can enter through any openings underneath the doors or windows.
If you have a chimney it could be worth draught-proofing your chimney. Doing so will prevent heated air from escaping through the chimney, keeping your home comfortable while limiting the need to turn on the central heating.
Don’t overuse household appliances
It’s the little things that add up when it comes to your energy bills. Something as easy as turning off all appliances at the socket can save around £65 a year. Take a look at some examples below of how you can save money when using household appliances.
- Avoid using the tumble dryer
When the weather permits, take advantage and hang your clothes to dry outside rather than use the tumble dryer. Not only is this a more energy-efficient approach, but it will also cut down on the frequency of using the tumble dryer. If the forecast calls for rain, try and use a drying rack inside your home.
- Use the washing machine at a low temperature
Reducing the temperature of your washing machine to 30 degrees is an effective way to minimise the energy consumed in your household. Numerous detergents support this low-temperature setting, so it’s always best to read the product packaging prior to making your purchase.
- Boil less water in the kettle
Even a simple task such as only filling up your water with the desired amount of water can help save energy. Doing this reduces the amount of water that needs to be boiled, and therefore decreases the amount of energy used.
Save money when using heating oil
If you use heating oil, there are also some easy steps you can take to reduce your monthly costs. Having regular tank servicing helps ensure that your tanks are in top shape, and diminishes the risk of having clogs, which can be expensive to fix if not attended to soon enough. If your boiler runs out of fuel air, it can become trapped, preventing it from functioning.
With the price of heating oil regularly fluctuating, stocking up on fuel when the price is low can also be a great way to get the most out of your heating oil tanks and pocket the savings.
If you are in need of quality heating oil, get in touch with our friendly team today.