UK Help For Household Campaign Aims To Reduce Energy Bills Through A Series of Steps

The UK Government announced the Energy Price Guarantee scheme to reduce the unit cost of electricity and gas for UK households from 1st October. The scheme is available to all, and there is no need for anyone to apply. This scheme is in addition to the £400 energy bill discount already available for all households. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six installments from October 2022 to March 2023 to help households deal with the winter comfortably. However, the residents are also expected to take steps that can help them save more money on their energy bills.

Simple Actions That Every Household Can Perform Instantly

· Turn down the flow temperature of the combi flow to 60°C. The potential saving by performing this simple step can be up to £100 a year.

· Turn down radiators in unoccupied rooms and reduce their usage. It can help save up to £70 a year. Don’t turn off the radiators because the boiler will draw more power to reach the desired temperature level when you switch them on again.

· Turn off appliances at the socket. It could save you up to £70 a year. All electrical appliances draw power unless they are unplugged.

· Wash clothes at a lower temperature to save up to £40 a year. Modern machines are capable of cleaning clothes effectively at low temperatures.

· Make less use of tumbler dryers to save as much as £70 a year. Dry your clothes in the room with a window to save more money.

· Close curtains/blinds at night to keep the room warm and reduce heating costs.

Carry Out Low-Cost Home Improvements

Detecting And Fixing Draughts

Detecting and fixing draughts can result in good annual savings. Draught-proofing homes is a simple but highly effective way of reducing energy bills. Fixing draughts helps in preventing heat from escaping and keeps your home warm with little load on the heater. Look for gaps in windows, doors, floors, and chimneys and block them to achieve easy warming.

Swap Your Ordinary Bulbs For Energy-Saving Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient and can add substantially to your power bills if you use many of them in your home. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to save money and keep your rooms better-lit than before. LED bulbs are also long-lasting, so you will save more money as replacements will be fewer.

Track Your Energy Spend With A Smart Meter

A smart meter is a handy device that tracks your energy spending in real time. Get accurate and updated information about the energy you are spending through an in-home display that can be conveniently accessed. The readings can also be automatically shared with your energy provider, ending the uncertainty of estimated bills.

Larger Home Improvements That Can Result In High And Long-Term Savings

Hot Water Cylinder Insulation

Buying a hot water cylinder jacket can be a valuable investment if you use a hot water tank. It is available online or at your nearby hardware supplier. These jackets are designed to reduce the loss of heat from cylinders and thus keep water hot for a longer period.

Smart Thermostats and Heating Controls

Smart thermostats are a must-have in every home if you want to be in control of your energy bills. They are web-connected devices that allow you to adjust temperature settings via a smartphone while away from home.

Using Energy-Efficient Appliances

Finally, investing in appliances designed to save energy, such as freezers, fridges, washing machines, TVs, and dishwashers, can save you a tidy sum every year. Purchase appliances with a high energy efficient rating (A-G, where G is the lowest). They will tell you how much power is consumed when you use these devices at specific times.