Energy Saving To Reduce Your Energy Bill

If, like many, you’re becoming dismayed at the rising amount of your energy bill, then it’s time to take steps to change things. While you can’t do anything to stop the general increase in fuel prices, you can put in place measures that will make your home more energy efficient and so start saving energy instead of wasting it.  

The first thing you can do is turn down your thermostat. Not so much that you feel chilled, just a few degrees is enough. This may mean having to wear a sweater rather than a t-shirt at times, but the effects will be seen in your next heating bill. Wearing extra clothing is a more natural way to keep warm anyway. Similarly, it’s said that sleeping in a cooler room will give you a better night’s sleep, as well as lower your energy costs.

If the house is empty much of the day, then consider using the timer on your heating system to have the heating come on and off as and when it’s needed. Alternatively, and many experts agree this is more cost efficient, have the heating on 24/7 in the winter months, but have the thermostat turned right down if the house is unoccupied, or at night when you’re in bed. Turn the thermostat up again when needed; because the heating has been on all the time at low level, it won’t take long for the house to get up to a higher temperature again.

There’s no point in using energy saving methods like turning down the thermostat if your house leaks heat, so it’s a good idea to check the insulation in your home. A loft should have insulation at least 6 inches thick; if not, then much of your heat will escape through the roof. Efficient insulation here can save as much as 20% on your energy bill. 

Another major way to help reduce your energy bill is to replace old and drafty windows. Like the loft, a lot of heat can escape this way. If your budget doesn’t allow for the installation of double glazed windows, then you can still save energy by putting heavy drapes at the windows which will help minimize heat loss.

Switch to energy saving light bulbs; although expensive, they can last for several years and will pay for themselves many times over. If you need to buy new appliances such as refrigerators, go for ones that are the most energy efficient. Switch off lights when not in use and don’t leave appliances on standby; you’ll find over the course of a year using even these small energy saving methods will bring your energy bill down.

Many energy companies have a service where you can get a check done on your home to see how energy efficient it is and how you can improve it.  It’s well worth doing if you are serious about saving money. Even if you only put a few energy saving strategies in place, you’ll soon the reaping the benefits and reducing that energy bill!