In a world where we are becoming more conscious of the energy we use and our rising bills, Ella Hendrix discusses how to beat increasing energy costs in 2020
It is important that we can try to reduce the amount of money that we are spending on our energy at home and in business.
Whilst we endeavour to pay the least money for the most amount of energy, it is also logical that we try to reduce the amount of energy that we are actually using. If therefore, you are looking to beat increasing energy costs, you can try to attack them from these two sides.
1. Get a bunded oil tank
If you have an oil tank in your garden, from which you are heating your home and water, you are susceptible to leaks. One good way to help to protect your tank – and its precious oil – is to get a bunded oil tank. Experts at Tanks For Everything state that “a bunded oil tank will help you prevent leaks, save wastage, cut costs, provide a safe storage solution for your fuel management system, fuel transfer and protecting the environment when carrying out fuel storage.”
These tanks consist of an inner and outer tank, meaning that the inner tank is protected by its outer shell. This means that you are less likely to get a leak and waste valuable money on oil and tank repairs.
2. Get new appliances when you can
When it comes to unnecessary energy use, some of the biggest culprits are old and energy inefficient appliances and other objects at home that are increasing energy costs. Energy-saving lightbulbs, for example, will save you around £9 per year in electricity – and over £100 in its lifetime – that’s pretty significant when you add up all of the lightbulbs in your home.
If you are buying a new appliance such as a dishwasher, washing machine or refrigerator you can see how energy efficient it is by the Energy Efficiency rating that it has been given. Appliances that have an A+++ rating are the most energy-efficient, meaning that they not only reduce the wastage of energy, they also mean that your energy bills won’t be so high.
3. Insulate your home properly
Heating – or indeed, cooling – your home can use massive amounts of energy and this is why our gas heating bills are usually significantly higher in the winter. One way that you can reduce the amount of gas that you are using to heat or cool your house is to make sure that it is well insulated. Loft insulation is a great idea for everyone, many houses can have cavity wall insulation installed, double – or triple – glazing is very effective (and good for security too), floor and external wall insulation are also possibilities.
When you insulate your home, you can prevent the heat from escaping when it is heated – and prevent the heat from coming in in the summer, keeping it cool. According to Which, cavity wall insulation can save you up to about £245 per year in house heating costs (depending on the type and size of your house).
4. Buy a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are a wonder of modern technology which allows you to remotely control your thermostat. This means that you have more control over when your house is being heated so that the heating is only on when you are actually at home. It also understands how long it takes to heat your home up, meaning that it can be at exactly the right temperature when you get home.
It is believed that a smart thermostat can save you between about 10% and 12% on your heating bill through you having a more efficient heating system.
5. Don’t forget the little things
There are also a number of little things which can make a huge difference in reducing your heating bills and energy wastage:
• Turn appliances off at the plug and don’t leave on standby
• Turn your thermostat down a couple of degrees and put on an extra layer when you’re cold
• Keep your freezer as full as possible
• Wash your clothes at a lower temperature
• Get a smart meter so that you can monitor your energy use
• Compare and switch energy companies if necessary
• Pay by direct debit
• Only boil as much water as you need
• Upgrade your boiler
• Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full
Trying to keep increasing energy costs down is important in today’s world. Although it is important to get the best rates for you and your home or business, it is also very important to be able to reduce the amount of energy that you actually use. The planet will thank you. And so will your purse.
