It is no secret that energy bills are continuing to rise. As Christmas is fast approaching this can really start to take a strain on our finances and the process can spark feelings of anxiety and worry.
Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help. Today, we will be discussing how you can combat rising energy costs in the home with a few simple tips.
Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
Technology has evolved at a rapid rate and now there are an abundance of energy-efficient appliances available on the market. If you have old appliances, it might be time to switch them out for new ones as they could be racking up your monthly bill. If you are unsure where to look for new appliances, it can help to conduct some online research. You won’t have to travel far to gain some useful advice on how to choose energy efficient appliances. Once you make the switch you will start to notice the positive effect it will have on your monthly bills, so it is well worth giving it a go.
Replace Your Old Boiler
Speaking of old appliances, your boiler could be another reason why your energy bills are rising. Recent models are a lot more energy-efficient than older models. So, if you are unsure whether your boiler is too old, then it is well worth making an enquiry with a professional.
Replacing your old boiler can not only save you money on your energy bills but it can also heat your home more efficiently just in time for the cold winter season. Not many people realise just how much of an effect their old boiler could be having on their energy usage.
Install An Awning
You may be surprised to know that installing an awning in your home can help to reduce your energy bills during the colder winter months. But how? Not only can they protect the windows in your home from harsh weather like snow, but retractable awnings are brilliant during the wintertime as they can retract during periods of sunshine to help your home welcome in the heat.
If you are curious about awning installation and want to know more about how they can protect your home, then it is worth contacting a company like Nationwide. Their team of fully qualified experts can assist you in finding the right awning for your home and they can even take the stress away of installation by installing it for you. Not only can they reduce those all-important energy bills, but they can also be a fantastic new addition to your home.
Use Draft Excluders
As the colder months are drawing in, we notice our homes severely drop in temperature. As a result, we immediately turn the heating up. One of the reasons for this drop in temperature could be to do with a draft. You can experience a cold draft from your front door as well as your windows as there could be an air leak. To combat this, you should run your hands around the edge of all your windows. If you feel a cold breeze, it is likely that you have an air leak. Luckily, this can be fixed. You can find out how to fix an air leak online through various tutorials.
To combat a draft, it can also help to use draft excluders. You can easily get hold of these in your local home décor shop, or you can even make one for yourself. If you can keep a draft out of your home, you will feel a lot warmer, and you may not find the need to have the heating on as much which will do wonders for your energy usage.
Turn Appliances Off Standby
Most of us leave our appliances on standby because it’s the easy thing to do. However, this could be increasing that all-important monthly bill. Even appliances that are on standby continue to draw out energy. So, it is time to get into the habit of switching them off at the plug. Doing so could save you money which is the main goal here. So, remember to ask yourself next time you leave your home – Did I switch off all the appliances?
Wash Clothes at A Lower Temperature
Doing something as simple as washing your clothes on a lower heat can save you money on your energy bills each month. Switching that 40-degree wash for a 30-degree wash could reduce your energy consumption by 60% each cycle, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Washing your clothes at a lower temp is not less hygienic which is a concern for some. The only aspect you may struggle with is tough stains. You may need a higher temperature wash to combat those. When switching to a lower degree wash ensure that you have the right detergent as some are specially designed for a lower temperature wash.