How to reduce your energy bills

Winter is on its way, bringing with it higher energy consumption and bills. Now is a good time to think about how much energy you use - taking even small steps can make a big difference:

1. Turn Your Thermostat Down

By just turning it down by one degree, you can save up to £50 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
 

2. Turn Your Hob Down

2. When cooking, don’t leave the hob on at maximum power once boiling point has been reached. Turning it down just a notch will keep food simmering while saving valuable energy.
 

3. Close your curtains as soon as it starts to get dark.

Think about putting curtains up over doors, especially patio or French doors, and use draught excluders where there are gaps.
 
 

4. Turn things off

Always turn off lights when you leave a room and switch off appliances at the socket when not in use. Don’t charge phones and laptops for longer than necessary.
 

5. Switch to energy-saving lightbulbs

They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary ones and can save up to £45 over the course of their lifetime.
 

6. Get your boiler serviced once a year

Think about replacing it after 10 years, when it will normally start to lose efficiency. When buying a new one, look at condensing boilers, which are more efficient than conventional models, and make sure you opt for an “A” rated one with an Energy Saving Recommended logo.
 

7. Insulate your walls and loft.

Grants are available to help people on low incomes and in some cases the work can be carried out for free. To find out more visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Energy-saving-grants-and-offers/Grants-and-Discounts-Database

8. Keep an eye on the amount of water you use.

Taking a shower is much more water-efficient than running a bath, while switching to a water meter could prove a money-saver for some households. Contact your water company for more details on fitting a water meter calculator to find out if it’s the right option for you.
 

9. Washing a full load of clothes uses less energy than two half-loads.

Dry clothes on the line where possible but if you must use a tumble dryer, ensure the filters are fluff-free and switch the dryer off at the plug socket when not in use.
 

10. Carrying out a home energy check

Try it now at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/proxy/view/full/165/homeenergycheck could save you up to £300 a year!