7 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient Without Costing Thousands

The Ofgem Factsheet 96 entitled ‘Typical Domestic Energy Consumption Figures’ states that a typical UK household with a medium level of energy consumption still consumes a whopping 16,500 kWh each year in gas, and 3,300 kWh each year in electricity.

This isn’t great news for the environment and it’s certainly not great news for your utility bills. However, think about increasing the energy efficiency of your home and you’re likely going to see pound signs flashing in front of your eyes. However, there are a bunch of simple and affordable strategies, such as an annual boiler service, which will positively impact the amount of energy you use. Let’s take a look at our top suggestions.

Simple energy saving tips

1. Change those lightbulbs

Lighting alone is responsible for 15% of your average electricity bill. The simplest solution is to switch out old-style light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs or LED bulbs. Per bulb, you could be looking at a saving of between £3-£6 per year. That soon adds up when you consider the number of bulbs in your home. You won’t need to compromise on brightness either.

2. Turn the thermostat down

Turning your thermostat down by just 1 degree could see you saving 10% off your annual heating bills. Even if you can’t bear to do it during the day when you’re at home, make sure you do it at night and when you’re away. Don’t turn it down so much you risk frozen pipes, but just being mindful of your thermostat’s settings will improve your energy efficiency.

3. Cut off the drafts

We give thought to how we heat our homes, but we often underestimate just how much heat is lost through poor insulation. That also means looking at doors and windows and checking they are well sealed and not allowing the drafts in. You can also lay loft insulation relatively cheaply which will pay for itself in savings in just two years.

4. Arrange a boiler annual service

We know from our experience with boiler repairs in Dorset that those who regularly have a boiler annual service benefit from greater energy efficiency. Looking after your boiler ensures it remains as efficient as possible for as long as possible, saving you money in the long run. The good news is that boiler annual service schemes don’t cost the earth either. In fact, ours is available from just £6 a month.

5. Get your boiler repaired

While we’re talking about energy efficiency and boilers, another affordable solution to improving your energy efficiency is to repair any faults. To work optimally, and efficiently, all boilers should be regularly maintained. Since 2005, all new boilers in the UK are more efficient, but they still need an element of TLC to remain energy efficient. If you’re looking for boiler repair Bournemouth or boiler repairs Poole, then you can spread the cost, and prevent any nasty surprises, by opting for a boiler Care Service Plan.

6. Turn off the shower

15% of your gas bill is thanks to the hot water you use. While we all love a leisurely shower or a steaming soak in the tub, think about ways you can cut back slightly. Don’t leave hot taps running, shorten your shower by a minute or two, and don’t fill the bath quite so full.

7. Become friends with the off function instead of standby

We’re used to having electrical gadgets permanently primed on standby ready for the press of a button to jump into instantaneous life. However, leaving your electrical appliances on standby could be costing you around £100 a year. A TV box is the worst culprit for zapping energy when you’re not even using it. So switch them off!

The above steps are easy to implement and will help to increase the energy efficiency of your home and most importantly cutting down costs. Much of it is about changing your mindset and just making a few simple adjustments to the way you live, yet the rewards are huge.

We see for ourselves time and again how a boiler annual service makes a huge difference. As we are the experts in carrying out boiler repair Bournemouth and boiler repairs Poole, so we know that we’re contributing to boosting the energy efficiency of our customers without costing them a fortune. There are gains to be had in simple changes. To arrange for boiler repair or a boiler annual service today, give us a call on 0333 939 0161.