This week the BBC estimated that the average UK household will pay an extra £94 in their energy bills during 2024 than they did in 2023. In order to prevent this change from having an overwhelming impact, we’ve listed some tips on how to preserve energy elsewhere.
Switch off Standby
Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming— the electricity saved can add up to £55 a year!
Draught-proof your home
Unless your home is brand-new it’ll be vulnerable to the impacts of cold draughts. To have your doors and windows draught proofed can cost more than £200 but will save you close to £90 each year because you’ll not have to turn your thermostat as high.
Buy a heated blanket
Heated blankets— that can cost as little as £20 to buy— can be placed under the sheets of your bed or on your favourite sofa, to provide a consistent source of comfortable warmth.
The best products only cost 3p per minute to run, and yet can make the need to heat certain rooms obsolete!
Monitor your thermostat
Making incremental changes to your thermostat — the tool that turns off your central heating when it senses that the temperature reaches the level you’ve set— can bring about a world of difference.
Surprisingly you’ll find that a temperature between 18°C and 21 °C is most comfortable. Turning your thermostat down by as little as 1 degree can shave as much as 10% off your annual energy bill!
Contact your supplier
According to regulation, energy suppliers are obliged to help you come to a solution if you can’t afford your bills. This could take the shape of a full payment plan review, a payment break, or an offer of more time to pay. It’s well worth reaching out as they may even offer hardship funds.
All estimates on annual savings were generated from the Energy Saving Trust and citizensadvice.org
For an in-depth description on how to avoid heavy energy fees over the winter months, head to www.yourlocallink.co.uk.
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