After an expensive month of December, many people are looking for ways to trim their monthly outgoings. If you’re one of them, did you know that today is ‘National Cut Your Energy Costs Day’?
The
Office of National Statistics has calculated that the average household spends a substantial c.£1,250 each year on heating and power.
Here are Jackson-Stops’s top tips for reducing your costs in this area of the household budget:
‘Quick win’ changes:
1. Switch lights off when leaving a room
2. Use energy-efficient lightbulbs where possible
3. Fill your kettle to just the required amount before boiling
4. Unplug any appliances you’re not using
5. Limit your time in the shower
6. Share car lifts – or walk – whenever possible
7. Get you and your family used to a slightly lower house temperature
8. Reduce the temperature of your water heater slightly (cold showers are excellent for the circulation!)
9. Turn on the dishwasher or washing machine only when full
10. Use cold water when washing laundry
DID YOU KNOW: Up to 90% of energy used by your washing machine is to heat water, so by reducing your wash temperature you will reduce your energy costs, too.
11. Limit your use of the tumble dryer and do not overfill it
12. Keep your property vents open and clear to ensure a free flow of heated air. This is more cost effective than your system working harder to create a consistent temperature with the temperature set on the thermostat.
13. Set your heating thermostat to a lower temperature for the hours in the day you are out of the house. If you reduce the temperature by 10 degrees you’ll reduce your energy usage by about ten percent, too.
Longer term projects to save energy costs:
1. Ensure that gaps or cracks around doors and windows are sealed, to keep heat in.
2. Invest in a water heater blanket to stop heat escaping from the water tank.
3. Insulate your loft area or consider the benefits of cavity wall insulation.
4. Investigate adding to solar panels to your property; these are expensive to install but could reduce your energy bills dramatically.
Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, a seller or a buyer, do get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the above with your local Jackson-Stops’ team. Our dedicated property management teams have years of experience in taking care of properties of all ages, styles and sizes and can offer you advice and information on any of these issues.
We wish you well with your energy saving endeavours throughout 2019.
