We all want to save money on our household bills, ensuring your electrics are adequately fitted and repaired can play a huge factor in energy bills.
The average household in the UK spends around £1,254 a year on energy bills, according to Ofgem. That makes energy one of the highest annual costs for UK families. It only makes sense that as we spend so much on energy bills, we should try and bring the cost down while still ensuring our properties are running to the expected standard. So, what can you do to get your energy bills down in residential and commercial properties?
Heating
Heating properties is the biggest culprit for causing our energy bills to skyrocket but is possibly the easiest way to make changes to bring the cost back down.
Turn Down Your Thermostat
We often have our heating on higher than what it needs to be. Try knocking it back 10 degrees, especially when you’re asleep. Doing this for 8 hours could bring your annual bill down by 10%. A smart meter does this for you…
Install a Smart Meter
Smart thermostats enable you to control your heating when you’re away from home via your smartphone. They can make your heating more efficient by only warming the rooms you’re actually using. This is great for landlords of multiple properties. You won’t be paying to heat buildings that aren’t occupied.
They also learn what it takes to heat your home, ensuring the heating is only on at the correct time for the right period.
Install a New Boiler
You could save a large amount of money in the long run by installing a new boiler. This may seem expensive, but you will save a considerable amount of money over the years on your energy bills. It’s also a great idea to get a boiler service; this ensures your boiler is working efficiently and all of the parts are in good working order.
Check Seals on Windows and Doors
Look at the seals on your fridge and freezer and make sure they are keeping the cold air inside. Do the same for the seals on your windows and doors. You want to ensure that the cold air is staying outside and not passing through your window frames. If seals don’t appear to be working, get them sorted, or your bills will be flying high.
Water
Hot water is the ‘second-largest energy expense in your home’ studies have shown. Cutting back on your hot water usage can cut a big chunk out of your energy bills.
Don't Leave Taps Running
Do the dishes in a bowl rather than under a running tap. Cut down the amount of time you spend in the shower and limit the number of baths your household has.
Replace Your Shower
Look for a showerhead with a WaterSense label, which means it is certified to meet efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Products with this sticker are 20% more efficient than the average product of the same type.
Buy Efficient Appliances
When purchasing a new appliance such as a washer or dryer, go for products with the Energy Star label. Prioritise the appliances you use most and ensure these have the label. A dishwasher with the label can save gallons of water per cycle. Ensuring your appliances are energy efficient is a considerable investment.
Enquire About Discounted Rates
Shop around for your energy supplier. Also, keep in mind that some suppliers offer cheaper rates at certain times of the day, so give them a call and find out if yours do! Using your washing machine in the morning rather than the evening could end up saving you some money.
Power
Lights and electronics make up for the rest of our energy bills – how can we bring that down too?
Turn Off Standby Appliances
You can get plug sockets that can be switched on and off via your mobile phone. This means you can ensure plugs are off when not in use. You can also get timer plugs; these are a cheaper way to schedule appliances to turn off.
There is also an option to install smart power trips, you can plug sockets into this system, and the power will cut off when none of the items is in use. This is an excellent option for business owners, for example, in offices that are often empty for many hours at a time.
Change your lightbulbs
Swap out your light bulbs for those with the Energy Star label. Compact fluorescent or LED bulbs are best for energy saving. These bulbs can be more expensive, so maybe focus on changing the bulbs used most, such as in your business’ reception or your living room.
Install dimmer switches
Dimmers let you decide how strong the lighting is in a room; this is a great way to save money as you won’t be wasting electricity lighting a room fully when it’s not needed.
If you would like some further advice on getting your energy bills down or have any questions, please contact us at Kiasu Workforce. We pride ourselves on delivering 100% of your project requirements 100% of the time.