Slash your energy bills this winter
Looking to save money on your energy bills this winter? Start by making some simple tweaks to the way you use common household items. By adjusting settings on thermostats, boilers, radiators, and appliances like dishwashers, fridge freezers, and washing machines, you could potentially save up to £850 a year. The best part? These changes won't cost you a penny.
Thermostat – save £380
Did you know that reducing your thermostat temperature by just one degree can cut your fuel bill by 10%? That's according to the Energy Saving Trust. By turning down your thermostat by three degrees, from 23°C to 20°C, you could save over £380 on your energy bills this winter. And if you're feeling adventurous, you could even drop it further to save even more.
Dishwasher – save £143
Your dishwasher could be costing you more than you think. Running it at a lower temperature, such as an eco wash or energy-saving setting, can use 20% to 40% less energy. This means cheaper running costs without compromising on cleanliness. Using eco-mode instead of the auto programme could save you around 523 kWh of energy a year, which translates to a saving of £143.04.
Boiler – save £112 a year
Combination boiler users, take note. By simply changing the flow temperatures on your boiler from the average 75°C to 80°C down to 60°C, you could reduce your gas consumption by 9%. This translates to an average saving of £112 a year. And if you're willing to go even lower to 55°C, you could slash your consumption by 12%. Just remember to keep the temperature at 60°C if you have a hot water cylinder.
Radiators – save £75
Installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on all your radiators can save you up to £75 a year. TRVs allow you to limit or turn off the flow of hot water into each radiator, reducing the amount of gas your boiler needs to burn. The TRV detects the temperature of the room and adjusts the flow of hot water accordingly. Use the number settings on the TRV to control the temperature, with 0 = 0°C (off) and 5 = 30°C. If you have radiators without TRVs, consider replacing the valves.
Tumble dryer – save £53
Tumble dryers can be expensive to run, but using the eco or low heat setting can help you save money. By opting for eco-mode instead of a normal cycle, you could save £53 a year. For even bigger savings, consider investing in a heated airer.
Fridge freezer – save £50
Setting your fridge temperature correctly is crucial to ensure efficient running. The Food Standards Agency recommends a fridge temperature of 5°C and a freezer temperature of -18°C. Adjusting the temperature using the dial on your appliance can help it run more efficiently and save you up to £50 a year. Make sure you're not wasting energy by setting it too high.
Washing machines – save £37 a year
Most washing machines come with an eco-mode that uses less water and energy. By using the eco mode instead of a normal cycle, you could save £37 a year. Additionally, lowering the washing temperature to 30°C could save you £13 a year, and dropping it further to 20°C could shave off £24 from your annual bill.
Other ways to cut appliance costs
There are additional ways to reduce your energy bills. Avoid running appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers unless they're full, which can save you £40 a year. Unplug devices that drain energy while on standby, such as Hi-Fi systems, computers, TVs, set-top boxes, printers, WiFi routers, microwaves, and games consoles, to save even more. Keeping your fridge freezer clean and defrosting it regularly can also help cut costs. And don't forget to avoid overfilling your kettle, as overfilling can cost you £55 a year.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/money/woman-living-in-car-reveals-15-bm-life-saver-doesnt-keep-you-warm-heres-the-better-alternative/
