With soaring energy bills and rising price caps but no less need to power our homes, it’s the issue on everyone’s mind these days.
It can feel like your energy consumption is totally out of your hands, but there are things you can do to reduce your bills in 2022.
Take a look at our tips below to see how you can save.
Install insulation
According to the Energy Saving Trust, uninsulated homes lose 25% of their heat through the roof. If you don’t install up-to-date insulation in your home or dwelling, you’ll find it very difficult to make your energy go further. Without it, you’ll find most of the energy you use escapes the structure – including most of the money you’ve spent on your bills.
By insulating, you’ll reduce the amount of energy you need to consume to fuel your home. Not only is this important from an environmental point of view, but it’ll also automatically mean you need to spend less.
Make sure your loft or roof space is professionally fitted with high-quality roof insulation between and above the joists. You’ll need to remove any signs of damp and avoid covering any ventilation built into the structure. You’ll also want to insulate your walls, whether cavity or solid.
Wash clothes at lower temperatures
It’s not worth discarding your existing white goods too soon, but when it’s time to trade up, go for a model with a higher energy-efficiency rating.
In the meantime, wash your clothes at 30 degrees rather than higher settings commonly found on washing machines. It takes more energy to heat water to higher temperatures, so use lower options as much as possible.
Likewise, be sure to put your clothes only when there’s enough for a decent load. This way, you won’t waste electricity or water and you may cut down on a few cycles per week, adding up to a fair amount in the long run.
Fit a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats use a Wi-Fi connection to control your heating system. You can connect via your phone or tablet to alter temperatures remotely.
It is often a waste to have to heat a space fully from cold. It actually takes less energy to maintain a low to moderate temperature. Although they’re expensive, smart thermostats are an excellent option for lifestyles where you may not have the same routine every day. This way, you can follow the temperature of the space and keep it at a level heat.
Consider switching supplier(s)
Under normal circumstances, swapping to the best deal after comparing prices could save you a lot of money. However, the market is extremely difficult in 2022. Most of the year, switching suppliers hasn’t been possible.
At the moment, your main choice is between a fixed or variable rate. A fixed rate means your bill payment will remain the same for the duration of your agreement. A variable rate means your payments will change in line with the market rate. A fixed rate can help you budget, but you may pay more if the market rate reduces.
