Top five tips to reduce your energy bills this winter
It’s extremely common for your energy bills to increase during the winter, even if you’re on a fixed-price tariff.
The cold weather causes many of us to spend more time indoors with the heating on full blast, not to mention an increased use of appliances like televisions and lighting. Combine this with expensive wholesale energy prices and your winter energy bill can really leave a dent in your pocket.
Although higher bills during colder months can be inevitable, there are a few ways in which you can reduce your energy bills this winter.
In this informative guide, we’ll provide you with our top five tips for lowering your energy costs during the wintertime and maximising your savings.
Why does my energy bill increase during the winter?
Due to a higher demand for gas and electricity during the wintertime, wholesale energy prices begin to increase and this is reflected in energy tariff rates – it’s a simple case of supply and demand!
Suppliers have to purchase gas and electricity at these higher prices, and unfortunately, some of the added expenses are passed onto customers. When these higher rates are applied to the increased energy consumption during winter, this can result in higher energy bills.
Likewise, you may notice that your gas and electricity bills tend to decrease during the summertime. This is because most people use less energy during the warmer months, so wholesale energy prices aren’t as high.
How to reduce your energy bills this winter
Lowering your energy bills isn’t as hard as you may think. In fact, it some cases it can be simple!
With a few easy steps, you can lower your energy consumption and reduce your gas bills and electricity costs. This way, you’ll have more money to spend on the things that really matter.
Here are our top five tips to help you reduce your energy bills this winter:
1. Draught-proofing
A simple and cost-effective measure, draught-proofing your home can help to keep cold air out and warm air in. This can then help to lower your energy consumption as your heating system won’t have to work as hard to maintain your set temperatures – thus helping to reduce your gas bills.
Draught-proofing can be a simple DIY task, using draught-excluders and sealants to fill gaps in your windows, doors and flooring. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing can help you save around £30 per year on your energy bills1.
2. Switch Off Standby
Standby mode is a common cause for energy wastage in many homes and commercial properties. When you leave your appliances on standby, they still use electricity, resulting in an unnecessary amount of energy consumption. You should always aim to turn all of your electronic devices off at the switch when they’re not in use in order to save energy.
Research suggests that approximately 9% to 16% of the energy used in homes goes towards powering appliances that are not in use2! This wasted energy is often referred to as ‘phantom power’ and according to research, households in the UK spend as much as £450 per year on this wasted power3! By turning your appliances off standby, you can reduce energy wastage and save up to £35 on your annual energy bills4.
3. Invest in a New Gas Boiler
Heating typically accounts for over half of your household energy costs 5. For this reason, it is essential that you have an energy-efficient boiler system installed. A new gas boiler could add up to £190 of savings to your pocket each year 6. You could also benefit from a better quality of heating and hot water with a new boiler system, this can help to increase your levels of comfort at home.
Nowadays, getting a new gas boiler installed is quick and easy. Plus, there are plenty of brands and models available on the market for you to choose from. Many homeowners also opt to spread the cost of their new gas boiler with a boiler finance deal, as this allows them to pay for their new heating system in a way that aligns with their budget.
4. Reduce the temperatures
Did you know that lowering the temperature on your thermostat by just one degree could help you save up to 10% on your annual gas bill 7? We know that this may seem hard to do during winter, but most people won’t be able to tell the difference if you reduce your heating temperatures by just one or two degrees. Plus, wearing additional layers of clothes whilst at home can help to reduce your reliance on your heating. You should always aim to set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature – in the UK, this is usually between 18°C and 21°C.
Additionally, with new innovations in heating technology, you can get enhanced control over your home heating and ensure that lower, comfortable temperatures remain set. With a smart thermostat you can make changes to your heating from anywhere using a smartphone app – you’ll never have to worry about leaving the heating on again!
5. Switch energy suppliers
This is another simple measure that could help you save significantly on your energy bills all year round. Switching energy suppliers can allow you to get cheaper rates for your household gas and electricity supply, thus helping you to reduce your energy bills.
There are plenty of energy suppliers with affordable tariffs available on the market – from the Big Six suppliers to smaller, independent energy providers. You can compare energy prices online to get the best deal for your property’s gas and electricity, then you can organise your supplier switch within a matter of seconds!
All in all, there are many ways in which you can reduce your energy bills this winter. By using a few of our top tips, not only could you increase your winter savings, but you could also reduce your carbon footprint and do your part for the environment.
247 Home Rescue provide breakdown, repair and servicing for boiler and central heating systems throughout the UK. Their insurance plans are back by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
You can view their full range of boiler and central heating peace of mind policies here
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