In these challenging times, with the cost of living on the rise, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our household expenses. Energy bills are a significant part of our monthly outgoings, but there are simple, effective steps we can take to bring them down.
1: Smart Heating Management
Efficiently managing your home heating is a key step in reducing energy bills. Start with the simple yet effective action of lowering your thermostat by just one degree. This small adjustment can reduce your heating bills by up to 10% [1].
[DISCLAIMER: If at any stage you feel uncertain of this process please seek qualified professional advice.]
Bleeding your radiators can significantly improve the efficiency of your central heating system and, consequently, reduce your energy bills.
Bleeding your radiators is necessary to remove any air that is present in the system. Once you have air in your system it will inevitably find it’s way to a radiator and once this happens you will begin finding cold spots and even entire areas on radiators that will not heat up (usually at the top); this is the air preventing the hot water from circulating.
You will need to bleed each radiator, usually beginning with the radiator closest to the boiler and working your way to the most distant.
To begin, make sure your heating is off and the radiators are cold, then use a radiator key to open the bleed valve at the top of each radiator, allowing any trapped air to escape. Once all of the air is out and only water is coming out, close the valve.
You may need to repeat this process again as the air in the system moves as the internal pressure level changes.
After bleeding your radiators, it's important to check and possibly top up your heating system's water pressure. Here's a brief explanation:
- Check the Pressure Gauge: After bleeding, the pressure in your heating system may have dropped. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler.
- Top Up if Necessary: If the pressure is below the manufacturer's recommended level (usually around 1-1.5 bar), you'll need to top up the system. This is done by opening the filling loop on the boiler until the correct pressure is reached.
- Close the Filling Loop: Once the pressure is at the correct level, ensure you close the filling loop securely.
- Restart the Boiler: Finally, if necessary, restart your boiler according to the manufacturer's instructions.
It's essential to maintain the correct pressure in your heating system for efficient operation and to prevent damage.
2: Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of our energy consumption and carbon emissions. One of the simplest ways to save energy is to turn off lights when they're not in use. This practice alone can lead to significant savings over time. Each light left on unnecessarily adds to the electricity bill.
Switching to LED bulbs is another effective step. Traditional incandescent bulbs, invented over a century ago, are highly inefficient; only about 5% of the electricity they use converts into visible light. In contrast, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are far more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, using up to 75% less energy, lasting 25 times longer, and they turn on instantly at full brightness.[2] This not only reduces energy usage but also saves money on bulb replacements.
By replacing all the bulbs in your home with LEDs, you could save around £60 a year on your electricity bills.[2] Additionally, this switch can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50kg annually, which is equivalent to the emissions from driving a car around 145 miles.[2] Furthermore, considering that lighting accounts for about 11% of the average UK household's electricity consumption, transitioning to LEDs is a significant step towards energy saving.[2]
Maximizing natural light is another key strategy that can substantially reduce the need for artificial lighting. Simply opening blinds and curtains during the day can illuminate your home naturally and even provide warmth. On bright days, this can eliminate the need for additional lighting and heating, further cutting down on energy costs.
Incorporating these lighting techniques — embracing LED technology and leveraging natural light — can lead to considerable reductions in both your energy bills and environmental impact.
3: Draught-proofing Your Home
- Identify Draughts: Common draught locations include windows, doors, floorboards, and skirting boards. Feel for cold air or use a candle to detect drafts; the flame will flicker where there are draughts.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Use self-adhesive biodegradable rubber seals around doors and windows. For gaps at the bottom of doors, a draught excluder or brush strip is effective.
- Cover Keyholes and Letterboxes: Fit a brush or flap to your letterbox and a cover over keyholes to prevent air from coming through.
- Insulate Loft Hatches: Ensure your loft hatch is well insulated and draught-proofed.
- Fill Cracks in Floors and Skirting: Use an eco-friendly filler for floorboard and skirting gaps.
Remember, while draught-proofing, ensure you don't block any intentional ventilation, particularly in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where good airflow is crucial to prevent damp and condensation.
EXTRA: Mindful Appliance Use
Be mindful of how you use your appliances. Turning off appliances completely instead of leaving them on standby can save a considerable amount of energy over time. This small change can contribute significantly to reducing your electricity bill.
When it comes to heating, pay attention to the weather. Adjust your thermostat according to the external temperature. On warmer days, lower the thermostat to save on heating costs.
Embracing Change Together
As we navigate these challenging times, every small action we take to reduce our energy consumption not only helps us financially, but also contributes to a more sustainable world. Embracing these changes can lead to significant savings and a more comfortable home environment.
For more detailed advice on energy saving, consider exploring the following resources:
- Energy Saving Trust: Offers comprehensive guides on energy saving at home.
- Simple Energy Advice: Provides government-backed advice on making homes more energy-efficient.
Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.
Stay tuned for more insights in our "The 3 Rs" series, where we'll explore more ways to live sustainably and economically.