Running a home is going to cost money, and the cost of running a home through utilities and bills can be some of the highest part of what you are spending. Luckily, there are plenty of things that you can be doing to lower the amount of money that you spend on your household bills and utilities.
Here are some recommendations:
Use energy-saving apps
Knowing how much energy you are using gives you the best foundation for making savings – and there are a number of apps available that help you to do this. There are applications that can analyse your energy usage, provide suggestions of changes you can make to reduce your bills, calculate the carbon footprint of your home and allow you to instantly control your heating and lighting.
Make the switch to LED bulbs
More and more now, people are choosing to move from traditional halogen bulbs to LED light bulbs. LEDs are extremely versatile, and come in a range of colour temperatures and designs, but they are also incredibly energy-efficient. They use 90% less energy than their traditional halogen bulb equivalent, which across your home makes vial savings to your utility bill.
Turn down your heating
It sounds simple, but reducing the temperature of your heating, even by a degree or two, will not affect your home too greatly, and can make a big difference on your bills overall. You’re likely to not even notice the change in temperature.
Layer up
Instead of turning the heating on as soon as temperatures drop, consider adding a layer or two and covering up with a blanket. If you use this alternative more often, it can help to keep your bills under control.
Consider energy-efficient appliances
There are a number of products on the market that consume less energy than previous models. From washers and dryers, to kettles and office appliances, when you’re making purchases choosing an energy-saving alternative will help you to reduce your bills in the long-term.
Get your boiler serviced
A boiler that’s working effectively heats your home better, and uses less energy. It is recommended that you get your boiler serviced once a year, so it’s working as efficiently as possible at all times, so now’s the time to book it in for a service.
Bleed your radiators
When pockets of air get trapped in your radiators, they don’t heat up as effectively, meaning you have to keep your heating on for longer to achieve the same results. Bleeding your radiators will allow you to release this trapped air, and encourage heat to travel with ease through the radiators.
Invest in insulation
Insulating your home is a short-term investment that can make a huge difference to the warmth of your home. Insulting your loft helps to stop heat escaping from the roof of your property as it rises, so you switch on your heating on less frequently. As part of effectively insulating your home, you can block-up any draughts, to stop any cold air entering your home. Draught excluding products can be purchased for doors, floors, keyholes and skirting boards – or you enlist the services of a professional draught excluder who can sort it all out for you
Change-up your routine
You can make a number of adjustments to your daily routine which can improve the costs on your utility bills. Firstly, get into the habits of switching off the lights in a room once you leave them – and avoid leaving any devices on standby. Switch your washers down to a cooler setting, and make sure your dishwasher is full before you run it. If you drink a lot of hot drinks, make sure to only boil the amount of water you need, and try and switch to shorter showers than baths as often as possible. They may seem small, but all these little changes can add up to big savings overall.
*This information above was provided by the team at online electrical wholesalers The Electrical Guys.
