We are sure that lowering energy bills will be at the forefront of many peoples minds as we move into the Autumn months.
This week is #ZeroWasteWeek, an award-winning, grassroots annual awareness campaign that helps to focus minds on, reducing waste, preserving resources, protecting the environment and saving money.
To help you support this fantastic campaign, we have created a list of free ways in which you can reduce your energy waste and lower your energy bills.
1. Take shorter showers and save up to £70 a year
Reducing your shower length to just 4 minutes will help to save water resources. It will save you money on your water bill, (if you are metered) and also money on your energy bill.
2. Wash clothes at a lower temperature to save up to £30 a year
On most modern washing machines if you lower your washing temperature from 40°C to 30°C, it means that you could get 3 cycles instead of 2 for the same amount of energy usage, this will help to lower your energy bill.
3. Using your tumble dryer less could save you £60 a year
Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home. So whenever possible, use a clothes airer to dry clothes outside, or inside with a window open for ventilation. When you do use your tumble dryer, use it less frequently by ensuring you have a full load. Around three-quarters of the drum would be perfect. Try to avoid overfilling as this will add to the drying time and effect energy savings.
4. Turn appliances off at the socket to save up to £60 a year
Almost all electrical appliances in your home, such as computers, televisions, smart devices and video game consoles, draw power continuously unless unplugged. Turn off the power switch at the socket or unplug appliances from the socket when they are not in use.
5. Installing a smart meter can help you see what you’re spending
A smart meter, which can be installed free of charge from your energy supplier, lets you know how much energy you are using at any given time via an in-home display. This allows you to track your spending and have greater control over your usage. A smart meter also provides automatic readings to your energy supplier, meaning an end to estimated bills, enabling easier budgeting.
6. Track your energy usage using an app
If you have a smart meter, there are apps which are free and allow you to track your hourly energy use over days, weeks, months or years. This can help you find the best ways to reduce usage and save on your energy bills in a safe and manageable way.
7. Turn down radiators in rooms you aren’t using to save up to £50 a year
When you are not using a room, turn the radiator valves down to a lower setting. It is important not to turn the radiators off completely as this can not only cause issues with mould and damp, but it will also take more energy to re-heat the room when required. The most energy efficient and cheapest solution is to keep radiators on a low setting in rooms not being used.
8. Bleed your radiators
Over time air pockets develop in your heating system which reduce the system’s pressure. Bleeding your radiators removes these air pockets, restores your systems pressure, meaning your radiators become more efficient. This makes your home warmer and can help reduce the cost of your energy bills.
9. Reduce your boiler flow temperature to save up to £70 a year
If you have a Combi boiler, its efficiency can be improved by adjusting the ‘flow temperature’ dial/setting to 60 degrees. Reducing flow temperature isn’t the same as turning down the thermostat. It won’t noticeably reduce the temperature of your home but may take longer to heat up.
10. Close all your curtains and blinds at night
By closing your curtains and blinds, you can help stop warm air escaping through windows and reduce heating costs, especially if you have radiators situated below your windows.
Reduce your energy waste now, lower your energy bills and in doing so help to protect the environment. #ZeroWasteWeek