It’s impossible to miss the fact that energy prices are still on the rise. This week is Energy Savers Week, a national campaign fronted by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust to advise and encourage households to be more energy efficient.
This long-running campaign is as relevant and important as ever.
Things are tough for an increasing number of people in the UK. More people are experiencing fuel poverty and the future of funding for ‘retrofitting’ crucial measures like insulation to people’s leaky homes is uncertain.
Affordable efficiency is in reach
Here at Severn Wye, we know the best way households can feel in control of their fuel bills is to be as energy efficient as possible. And the good news is, you don’t have to wait for announcements about national funding schemes or imagine you need expensive home improvements. Because even small changes can make a big difference.
Our experts have put together some easy steps you can take now, to help you embrace efficiency around your home and be better able to cope with the reality of rising prices.
Energy-efficient choices
This list covers no- or low-cost changes you can make to your home and the way you use it, that keep you warmer, healthier, and help to keep bills more manageable.
Draught-proof your windows and doors to minimise the heat escaping and unwanted cold air coming in. Remember key holes and letterboxes – they’re often overlooked.
Use thick curtains to prevent heat loss through your windows in the evening.
Fit secondary glazing film to single-glazed windows. It’s relatively cheap from most DIY stores, easy to fit, and is way more affordable than double glazing.
Turn down your thermostat – just 1oC degree lower could make a welcome cut to your heating bills.
Just heat the room you’re in – set radiators to a lower heat in rooms you don’t use often. Keep them on low though, to minimise the risk of condensation and damp.
Use your programmable thermostat if you have one. Your house will take time to heat up and stays warm for some time after the heating goes off so factor this in to your on/off timing. (Manuals for most thermostats are available online.)
Allow heat to circulate by tucking your curtains behind radiators (but not other types of heaters) and keep furniture clear.
Manage your hot water by setting the thermostat to 60°C which is hot enough to kill off bacteria without wasting valuable energy. If you have a hot water cylinder, make sure it’s insulated and only heat up enough hot water for your needs each day.
Take shorter showers – four minutes should be plenty. This will save you even more if you have a water meter. A low-cost, water-efficient shower head will be a bonus too.
We’re here to help
If you’re struggling to manage or understand your bills and are worried what this year will hold, the team at Severn Wye’s Warm & Well service is here to help.
We have a free advice line and our experts can support you on anything from programming your heating to clearing energy debts. We might even be able to visit you at home. Speak to one of our Warm and Well advisers for advice on a range of energy topics. We can also refer you to relevant grant funding schemes, that can cover things like loft and wall insulation which will make a significant difference to your comfort and bills.
Call us for free on 0800 500 3076 or email energyadvice@severnwye.org.uk
