With the cost of living continuing to rise, tracking down effective ways to lower household bills is a high priority for many of us. Luckily, there are many simple lifestyle changes and property adjustments that could help to reduce your usage. Take a look at our guide on how to save on your energy bills at home.
How to Save on your Energy Bills at Home: Tips, Tricks & Helpful Schemes
Having spent many years in the energy industry, our team has seen first-hand the fluctuation in prices and the impact this has on individuals. Our mission is not only to make it easier than ever to access green energy but also to provide valuable information on how to create a more sustainable home. We support customers in saving both money and energy, so let’s begin the journey by taking a closer look at the following:
What is the Average Energy Bill in the UK?
Both political and economic factors, as well as a rise in demand, have led to an immense strain on the energy market, and, as such, a spike in prices. But how much have energy costs really increased?
According to a Uswitch article recently posted, as of the 1st of October 2022, the average annual gas bill in the UK came in at an astonishing £1,239.60, with electricity bills being £987.16 per year.
Although there is an energy price guarantee of £2,500 currently in place (a figure that will rise to £3,000 in April 2023), the current prices are already putting vast pressure on many households, particularly during the festive season.
5 Ways to Save on your Energy Bills
The benefit of household energy is that it is possible to take total control of your usage and begin making positive changes, starting from today. Taking advantage of even just one of our suggestions could help to reduce your bills.
1. Make Use of Central Heating Controls
Regardless of whether you opt to invest in green energy or continue to source your power from the grid, taking full advantage of your central heating controls can help to save a few pounds.
Through your central heating controls, you can programme your system to your heating preferences. For example, you can set specific times for your central heating to turn on and off (i.e. switch on 30 minutes before you arrive home from work) to ensure that no heat is being wasted while no one is at home. You can also set different temperatures for different rooms or even choose to only heat the areas you use the most.
Another great way to take more control over your usage is through a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to operate your central heating system remotely through an app, meaning you can tailor your heating to your lifestyle, even if your routine changes daily. Tech Advisor has put together an excellent article with details on the highest-rated smart thermostats of the year.
2. Use Appliances More Efficiently
If you are looking for quick solutions to begin lowering your energy usage immediately, you would most definitely benefit from altering how you use your electrical appliances. Our top tips include the following:
- Switch off standby: Did you know that the average UK household could save around £147 a year by turning off standby appliances? The internet router, television and microwave are some of the biggest culprits for wasting power. Simply remembering to switch all appliances off at the mains or unplugging them after use can save considerable money.
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances: When replacing old appliances, be sure to check the energy efficiency rating of any new models. Those rated A+++ to A are the most efficient and offer the largest savings. Take a look at Energy Saving Trust for more information on buying energy-efficient products.
- Alter your clothes washing routine: There is no way to avoid using a washing machine; however, we can become smarter about our routine. We recommend allowing your washing to build up over a few more days to cut down the number of cycles, and when you do wash, turn the temperature down to 30 degrees rather than 40.
3. Draught Proof your Home
Have you ever settled down for the evening but felt a small draught, so have opted for turning your central heating up a few degrees? Rather than wasting energy on extra heating, why not consider draught-proofing? In fact, according to Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing windows and doors alone can save £60, while a chimney can save you £90!
Draught proofing couldn’t be more straightforward and can easily be carried out through DIY methods. Here are our top recommendations:
- Windows: Either self-adhesive foam strips or metal strips equipped with brushes are both effective in blocking any draughts around your window frame.
- Doors: Your keyhole, letterbox and gaps around the door are all culprits for allowing cold air to seep in. Ideal Home has lots of great tips for draught-proofing your doors.
- Chimneys: While your chimney is not in use, consider fitting a cap over the pot or investing in a chimney draught excluder. While this can be done independently, you may benefit from enlisting a professional if you do not feel totally confident.
4. Switch to Green Energy
Making the transition to green energy is, by far, one of the most effective way to save on your bills. Why? Because equipping your property with home solar panels allows you to transform free, renewable resources into power for your home. In fact, did you know you could even feed the excess electricity you generate back to the grid in return for extra cash?
Recent research has concluded that by April 2023, the payback period for solar panels will have dropped to 4.1 years, making them an excellent investment for future years. For some of our clients, they are able to save even more money by pairing their panels with home energy storage. Allowing you to store your excess power for future use, energy storage dramatically reduces your reliance on the grid, particularly benefitting you financially during peak times and less sunny months.
For more useful information on solar panels, their benefits and how effective they are in the UK, take a look at our previous article.
5. 5Install a Heat Pump
Another fantastic investment that could help to not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint is a heat pump. Designed to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to a conventional boiler, a heat pump uses air from outside to heat your home.
According to a recently updated article by Green Match, a heat pump will reduce your energy bills by at least 26% more than a new gas boiler, thanks to its excellent efficiency and low running costs. Not only this but as heat pumps use electricity, if you were to pair your system with solar panels, your savings would inevitably increase.
When considering a heat pump, there will be many factors to keep in mind. At Ampergia, our dedicated energy consultants will always carry out a home survey before working with you to create a package that perfectly suits your property. Feel free to contact us to get started!
Is There An Energy Bill Support Scheme?
The answer to the above question is yes; the government has introduced a scheme to support households with rising energy bills over the winter months. The Energy Bill Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to all homes with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales. Even if you change your tariff, move house, or if your current supplier goes bust and you must switch to a new company, you will continue to be eligible for the scheme.
There is no need to apply for the scheme or inform your supplier. The discount will automatically be applied to your energy bill, and either your monthly direct debit will be reduced, or you will receive a refund straight to your bank account. For more information on The Energy Bill Support Scheme, take a look at the GOV.UK website.
Keeping your Home Cosy while Saving Money
The cold, rainy British weather is certainly in full swing, which means that keeping our homes warm while we hibernate for the winter has become a priority. We hope that you are able to make use of our tips and begin to make some small, achievable lifestyle changes to reduce your energy bills.
If you are interested in exploring your green energy journey even further with your own solar panels, heat pumps or battery storage, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Ampergia. Our knowledgeable energy consultants will happily provide a free quotation.