It’s impossible to miss the fact that for most UK residents, energy prices are rising this year. As part of the ongoing gas price crisis and with a change to the energy cap looming this April, prices are set to rise considerably for most UK households. This week (17-23 January) is Big Energy Saving Week, a national campaign fronted by the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Energy Saving Trust, to encourage households to make their energy consumption more efficient. This is the ninth year the campaign has run and this year it’s more important than ever. We believe that the best way households can prepare for the inevitable price rises coming our way is to become as energy efficient as possible. We’ve put together some tips to help you embrace energy efficiency in your home and make your household energy resilient this year.
Prices are going up but my wages aren’t, what can being resilient do for me?
Right now, things are really tough for an ever-increasing number of people. Many UK residents are facing a squeeze on their finances from a range of directions, as COVID-related support ends, social housing rents increase, and the cost of living continues to climb.
We know that sometimes talking about ‘being green,’ ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘saving energy’ can seem like it’s easy to say but difficult to do. When you’re struggling with rising bills and the cost of living is only increasing, making ‘green’ choices can seem idealistic. Just something to think about when there’s a bit of spare change around. But with some predictions suggesting fuel poverty could rise by 50% this year (from 4 million to 6 million households across the UK), the fact is, thinking about how much energy we use is more important than ever.
Being more energy efficient will make you more energy resilient (which means being tough enough to cope with the reality of rising prices and being flexible enough to cope with the change this will bring). Small measures can make a big difference and there may be funding available to help you get into the best energy shape possible before price rises in April.
Against the backdrop of these challenges, we want to support you to make the most of the resources you’ve got. Becoming more energy resilient means protecting your mental and physical wellbeing too. We know that more and more people will struggle to pay their energy bill, which means more and more people will suffer from energy-related anxiety this year.
Making your home more energy efficient
We’ve put together a list of tips and hints that can make your home more energy efficient, which means cutting the amount of energy you use and reducing your bill in the process.
Insulation and draught-proofing
- Insulating your loft and cavity walls is an essential way of preventing heat from escaping through the fabric of the house. Depending on your circumstances, there may be financial support available. If you’re based in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire, find out more at the Warm and Well website. In Herefordshire, check out Keep Herefordshire Warm for more information.
- Draught-proofing your windows and doors will make sure no heat can escape or cold air enter your home unwanted. Key holes and letterboxes can also be draught-proofed to limit heat loss.
- Use thick curtains (or curtains that are well-lined), to prevent heat loss via windows in the evening.
- Fit secondary gazing film to single glazed windows. Secondary glazing film can be purchased relatively cheaply from most DIY stores. Double glazing can be expensive, so whilst secondary glazing film isn’t as effective, it’s much more affordable and can make a real difference.
Heating
- Turn down your thermostat. Turning down your heating by just 1 degree could cut your heating bill by up to 10%. Avoid using plug in heaters if possible as they are expensive to run.
- Programme your heating. Make sure you have a programmable thermostat and are using it! If you’re not sure how to do this, you should be able to find manuals for most thermostats online.
- It’s a myth that leaving your heating on constantly (even at a lower temperature) is more efficient. Remember that it will take some time for the house to heat up and that it will retain the heat for some time after the heating is switched off. Factor in these warm up and cool down times when setting your timer.
- Set Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) to a lower setting in rooms which are not used very often. This may include hallways, landings, bathrooms, utility rooms and spare rooms.
- Don’t block your radiators. Furniture and curtains can reduce the amount of heat entering a room. You can tuck longer curtains behind radiators (but not other heaters as this may pose a fire risk). Make sure you don’t put large pieces of furniture (such as sofas) in front of radiators, even if this is the best position for the TV!
Hot Water
- Check that your hot water thermostat is set to 60°C, not above. This is hot enough to kill off bacteria without wasting valuable energy.
- If you have a hot water cylinder, only heat water when you need it. Have the hot water on for just long enough to produce the amount of hot water you need each day. Even better, insulate your hot water cylinder using a cylinder jacket. These can be purchased at most DIY stores and can pay for themselves in as little as 6 months.
- Spend less time in the shower. Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save around £10 off your energy bills each year, per person. With a water meter this could save a further £10 off annual water bills. If everyone in a four-person family did this it would lead to a total saving of £80 a year.
- Fit a water efficient shower head. This will reduce your hot water usage while retaining the sensation of a powerful shower. A water efficient shower head could save a four-person household around £67 a year on gas for water heating, as well as a further £100 on water bills if they have a water meter.
If you’re struggling to keep up with rising energy prices, we’re here to help.
Speak to one of our advisors for advice on a range of energy topics. There is often grant funding available to help you make your home more energy efficient, including installing boilers, insulation and central or low-carbon heating. In Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, call us for free on 0800 500 3076. In Herefordshire, you can call us for free on 0800 677 1432.
If you’re struggling to manage or understand your bills – especially in the face of rising prices – and are worried what this year will hold, our Energy Advocates have your back. If you don’t know where to start and are battling with anxiety produced by your home energy, they will help you feel in control. You can get in touch with our Energy Advocates in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire here. To contact our Herefordshire, follow the link here.
