How to have a happy New Year and cut your bills
With energy regulator Ofgem deciding that household energy bills would rise in January by 5 per cent, householders face an unhappy New Year.
As the typical annual household bill is going up from £1,834 to £1,928 many residents are looking at ways to reduce their heating costs.
Midlands green expert Ron Fox suggests eight ways that people can cut their bills.
1 Saving by degrees: Turning the thermostat down by just one degree could save up to £150 a year. Also use the boiler’s timer to ensure the heating switches off when the home is empty. But do make sure the place is warm enough. The government recommends a room temperature of at least 18C and more for older people, or those who are ill or disabled. Ron said: “Be warned too low temperatures could lead to dampness and the problems of mould, particularly for people who suffer from asthma and respiratory diseases.
2 What a shower: Reducing the time you spend in the shower from seven minutes to four minutes can save about £84 a year. Also, by fitting a water efficient showerhead, price around £10, can mean a reduction of around £40 a year even if you don’t cut your time in the shower. Note they’re not suitable for electric showers, which should be switched to ‘eco mode’.
3 A good turn: Turning down radiator valves in less-used rooms could save up to £50 a year. Most radiators have valves which control the room temperature and can be moved to the midway point which will still heat the room to 18-20C. Also keep the doors closed to trap in the heat.
4 On the boil: If you have a combi boiler reduce the flow temperature for the water heating your home to 60C. If you have a conventional boiler, with a hot water tank, you could try setting it to 65C. It’s important not to set it any lower as it could create a health risk. This could save up to £100 a year.
5 Coming out in the wash: Using a lower temperature to wash your clothes can save up to £20 a year as modern machines can clean clothes effectively at lower temperatures.
6 Costs can tumble: Using your tumble dryer, which is one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home, less frequently and only when you have a full load can save up to £50 a year.
7 Switch off: Turning off the power switch at the socket or unplug electrical appliances such as computers, TVs, video game consoles and smart devices when they are not in use can save up to £50 a year.
8 Ligh bulb moment: Switching from traditional and inefficient light bulbs to energy saving LEDs can save up to £40 a year.
“Taken together all these smaller savings can add up to a big reduction in energy bills,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd which is based at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park.
For more advice on cutting energy bills in the home contact Ron Fox on 01782 756995.
Caption: A good turn – Turning down radiator valves in less-used rooms could save up to £50 a year.
