With many of us still working from home, facing rising energy prices, we’ve compiled a handy list of energy-saving tips to reduce energy bills and save money.
Cotswold Co‘s publication, Living Sustainably: A homeowner’s guide to energy efficiency during COVID-19 and beyond, highlights some interesting statistics –
- Household energy consumption has fallen by 12% since 2000 (despite a population increase of 13%)
- Renewable energy sources currently power 28% of the UK’s electric grid.
- Up to 35% of heat can be lost through the walls, gaps, windows, and doors.
Our team’s top energy-saving tips whilst working from home:
- Turn down the thermostat by one degree (or more!). If may seem a bit daunting but there are ways of warming up your living space without using energy. Invest in radiator reflector panels or draught excluders. Sometimes just adding an extra layer of clothes will do. Use rugs on wooden floors, or make sure to close your curtains when it starts getting dark. Conversely, in the morning allow as much light as possible to stream into sun-facing rooms for warmth.
- Eat yourself warm. Oh yes, it’s possible! Go for food that is high in protein, as it raises the body temperature to fuel metabolism.
- Keep the oven door open after you’ve cooked (if it’s safe to do so).
- Stay active, move around so your body has to raise the heat to stay warm.
- Make sure your home is insulated – windows, doors and floors. Explore if you are eligible for government grants to cover the cost of insulation and other energy grants to make your home for energy-efficient.
- Take a shower instead of a bath, or invest in a water-efficient showerhead. Try to shorten your shower.
- Swap energy suppliers. There are excellent independent price comparison sites showing customer service ratings. Most energy companies now also offer smart meters, so ask for one to monitor your energy and water usage in real-time.
- Switch to LED bulbs, and remember to turn lights off if you are not using them.
- When washing clothes, save energy by making sure it’s a full load and opt for a 30-degree cycle which is more energy-efficient. Try not to use the tumble dryer. Winter makes it harder to hang washing outside, so rather opt for a heated airer.
- Use energy-efficient appliances when replacing old or broken appliances.
- Power down at night, this includes the TV and laptops.
- Invest in smart plugs, switches and water heaters, thermostats and other voice-controlled devices. Not only will this bit of tech switch off devices you may have forgotten to turn off but also help you save energy without thinking about it.
- Consider switching to renewable energy, which will not only save you money but also reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Take a look at our commitment to sustainability at Church House Westminster and how we have pro-actively cut back on energy consumption.