Big Energy Saving Week: How much could you be saving?

This Big Energy Saving Week, take a look at the simple changes you can make in and around the home, which can make a big difference to your comfort, health and energy bills. 

Why not try the following...

• Check your boiler is working properly: Make sure everything is working properly and efficiently.  If you’re having problems, the advisors at Keep Herefordshire Warm may be able to help you with funding towards getting a boiler replacement.
  
  
• Turn your thermostat down: Turning your heating down by just one degree, can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%, which will save you around £85 a year (although be sure to put your health first!).  Try to heat your living spaces to at least 21°C and maintain around 18°C elsewhere in your home, to protect against winter illnesses.
  
  
• Programme your heating: Ensure you have a programmable thermostat and that you use it!  If you set your heating to come on 15 to 30 minutes before you need it and switch it off half an hour before you leave or go to bed, you’ll be heating your home much more efficiently and affordably.
  
  
• Make sure you’re well insulated: You lose a third of your heating through the walls of your home, so insulating them is one of the best ways to save energy.  Installing cavity wall and loft insulation could reduce your bills by £225 a year.  There’s also Government grants available this winter, which can help you top up your insulation, so now’s the time to act! 
  
  
• Stop overpaying for your energy: If you haven’t switched energy supplier in a while, chances are you’re now on a more expensive tariff.  It doesn’t take long to compare gas and electricity prices, to ensure you’re on the cheapest tariff for you, and it could save you hundreds of pounds every year. 
  
  
• Draught-proof your home: Try to block out as many draughts as you can, starting with door frames, letterboxes, windows, loft hatches and floorboards.  Fully draught-proofing your home could save an average of £55 a year, which will help keep you cosy indoors, whilst the wind whistles outside!
  
  
• Insulate your hot water tank: If you have a hot water tank / cylinder, make sure it’s fitted with an insulation jacket, which only costs about £15, as it can save £45 a year on your heating bill.  It basically pays for itself in less than six months!
  
  
• Use low-energy light bulbs: Replacing your light bulbs with low-energy equivalents, can make a huge difference to your energy bill.  For example, LED bulbs can use 90% less energy than a standard light bulb.  Don’t be put off by the slightly higher cost of low-energy bulbs, as they last up to 12 times longer and are just as bright as traditional bulbs.
  
  
• Save in the kitchen: Try to only boil as much water as you need and use a bowl to wash up, instead of running dishes under the tap, both of which will save energy and water.  Remember to also regularly defrost your fridge and freezer, as this will help them run more efficiently.
  
  
• Shrink your bills, not your clothes: 90% of a washing machine’s energy is spent heating the water, so if you wash your laundry at 30°C or 40°C instead, you’ll save a significant amount of money every year.
  
  

Free energy advice

Keep Herefordshire Warm offer free information, advice and support to help you reduce your costs, regardless of whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner, so you can stay warm and healthy in your home.  Plus, depending upon your personal circumstances, they may be able to help you access grant funding for efficiency improvements, such as:

No central heating?  If you’re still relying on electric or solid fuel heating, you may be entitled to a free central heating system.

Broken boiler?  You might be eligible to receive a free replacement.

Does your home get cold quickly?  You could be entitled to financial assistance to help cover the cost of cavity wall or loft insulation.

Struggling to keep on top of your energy bills? Have a chat with Keep Herefordshire Warm’s Energy Advocate on 0800 677 1432, who will be able to advise on this winter’s emergency energy credit options.

Coping with a reduced income?  You may now be eligible for grant funding towards home improvements, which will keep you warmer this winter.

To find out more, get in touch with the friendly Keep Herefordshire Warm Team today on 0800 677 1432 or www.keepherefordshirewarm.co.uk.





Information source: Keep Herefordshire Warm (a partnership between Herefordshire Council and Severn Wye Energy Agency)