Winter is on its way and you’ve likely noticed the chill setting in already. That’s why it’s the perfect time to think about how to reduce bills cost.
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about the dreaded rise in energy bills but here’s the good news: with a few simple changes, you can reduce bills without sacrificing comfort.
Let’s talk about some of the easiest ways to keep your home cosy while keeping the pounds in your pocket.
What’s Eating Into Your Budget?
When it comes to winter, one of the most significant factors driving up your bills is how you heat your home.
Heating accounts for the bulk of energy usage in the colder months. If you’re wondering where all that money is going, it’s probably being spent on maintaining warmth. But it’s not just the heating itself – it’s also the appliances and electronics left on standby, inefficient heating systems and even little things like blocked radiators.
So, where do you start to reduce bills cost?
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Switch Your Washing Machine and Dishwasher to 30°C
Washing your clothes or dishes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures can reduce bills by up to 40%. Plus, most clothes and dishes get just as clean at lower temperatures, so no need to worry about sacrificing cleanliness.
It might sound like it’s a small change but it can lead to big savings especially if you make it a habit.
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Batch Cook and Freeze
Instead of cooking every day, why not do meal prep for the whole week? Preparing meals in one go not only saves time but also cuts down on energy usage. You can then freeze what you don’t eat immediately, reducing the number of times you need to turn on the stove or oven.
And for those who hate cleaning after, think about it this way; there will be less to clean if you cook once for the whole week. It’s a win-win: less energy consumption and more time for yourself.
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Defrost Your Freezer Regularly
A build-up of frost in your freezer can cause it to work harder, using more energy than is necessary. By defrosting it regularly, you’ll reduce the amount of energy required to keep it running the way it’s supposed to and reduce bills in the process.
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Draught-Proof Your Home
If heat is escaping through draughty windows and doors, it’s not just warmth you’re losing; it’s money, too. Make sure your home is draught-proof and during colder months, keep your curtains or blinds closed to lock in that precious heat. Without turning up the heat that often, this little technique can help you reduce bills and save you a few couple of pounds every month.
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Turn Off Electronics Properly
Leaving electronics on standby mode is a sneaky way to lose money without even realising it. In fact, switching off your devices properly instead of leaving them on standby can save you up to £55 a year.
This includes devices like smart speakers, TVs, microwaves, laptops and even phones left charging overnight. It’s worth switching them off when you’re not using them and the savings will start adding up.
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Be Smart About Heating
Make sure you’re only heating the rooms you actually use. By turning down the radiators in spaces you’re not occupying, you can conserve energy and reduce bills. Make sure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture, as this can trap a lot of heat and prevent it from warming the room quicker and in an efficient way. Installing radiator reflector panels is another easy fix – they’ll help direct heat back into the room, so you’re not wasting energy.
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Set Timers for Your Heating
It’s tempting to leave the heating on all day when it’s freezing outside but setting a timer means your home only warms up when you actually need it to.
Bonus Tip: Alexa Can Help You Save
Did you know you can ask Amazon Alexa for energy-saving advice? The UK government has teamed up with Alexa to make tips more accessible. Just simply ask for advice on how to conserve energy in your home and you might find even more ways to reduce bills this winter.
A Warmer Home Doesn’t Have to Mean a Higher Bill
Winter doesn’t have to be synonymous with skyrocketing bills. By making a few simple adjustments, just like the ones we’ve mentioned before or others you might already know, you can reduce bills and still stay warm.
