An annual challenge
It’s been unseasonably warm so far this winter, but it won’t take a huge drop in temperature before we all want the heating on. The truth is though, not everyone has that luxury.
The ‘heating or eating’ choice has become a cliché simply because it’s true. And with energy prices still on the rise, more people than ever are at risk of fuel poverty.
Not having the money to keep your home warm enough isn’t just an issue of comfort, it’s a proven risk to your physical and mental health. And if you can cover the bills each month, you’ll still want them to be lower.
Every household has different energy needs, but there are things everyone can do right now to stay warmer and help get on top of energy bills.
Low-cost fixes
Severn Wye’s energy experts are always on hand with advice tailored to your home and circumstances.
To start you off, we’ve gathered some of our advisers’ top recommendations for no- or low-cost energy efficiency fixes.
Pick a change
For more help on energy saving measures see our Resources page, and you can find the best way to contact us on our Advice & Support page.
Emma
Small changes to your behaviour won’t cost a thing but can make important savings. Turn all your appliances and gadgets off at the wall – including game consoles and charger – and learn how to programme your heating effectively; setting it to turn on 20 minutes later than usual and off half an hour before bed will all add up.
Greg
Check the flow temperature of your condensing boiler is set to around 50oC – it’s usually the dial marked with a radiator symbol. You might need to experiment to find the best setting for your home and the season – our handy guide will help. If you have a hot water tank, make sure it’s wearing a jacket so your water heats up quicker and stays hotter for longer.
Atifa
It’s important to ventilate your home but make sure draughts aren’t letting cold air in – and expensive heat out. Check windows and doors, gaps between floorboards and skirting boards, places where pipes run through floors and walls, under kitchen cupboards – and remember keyholes and letter boxes. Waste paper is a cheap way to plug any gaps.
Becca
Make the most of winter sunshine by cutting back any plants or trees that are shading your windows – a sunny room is good for your mental wellbeing as well as making use of free warmth. Then cover your windows with heavy or insulated curtains when it starts to get dark to keep the warmth in; tuck them behind radiators (but not other types of heaters, to avoid fire risk).
Ahmad
If you’ve got a smart meter, make the most of it! Many meters will have a smart phone app that makes it even easier to keep an eye on your energy use in real time. This way you can see when you’re using the most energy and work out where you might be able to save. We’ve got a helpful guide that answers a lot of common questions about the benefits of smart meters.
Neil
Preparing larger batches of food and reheating portions using a microwave is cheaper than cooking individual meals in your oven. Dishwashers and washing machines are much more efficient when they have a full load – and 30oC is fine for all but the dirtiest clothes. Dry laundry outside whenever possible or open your windows regularly to minimise condensation.
