Install a smart thermostat

You can literally get smart tech for most areas of your home nowadays.  From smart dehumidifiers to smart security cameras, there are lots of smart tech and smart gadgets available to benefit your home.  One of the best ways to get control over your energy bills is to install a smart thermostat.  Instead of leaving heating systems running all the time, you can have total control, even when you’re not at home.

You can easily set different schedules each day, as well as turn heating off when you are away from home.

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Use a radiator bleed valve

Keep your family warmer during the colder months with the help of radiator bleed valves. These advanced tools are great for improving the efficiency of your heating and have been designed to automatically bleed your radiators and release the excess build-up of air.

Trapped air in radiators often leads to metal corrosion and is one of the main problems in heating inefficiency. A radiator bleed valve can greatly reduce the costs of your energy and heating bills, and lasts for up to 5 years - saving you money in the long run.

Maintain your HVAC systems

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system then you could be wasting money by not maintaining it properly.

You need to maintain your HVAC system airflow by ensuring the blower is working properly.  If there is dust build up and the airflow is restricted, it will take more effort and use more energy to blow air around the system.

A build-up of dust can block airflow and can usually easily be removed using a vacuum.  If blockages get deeper into the system then it may need a professional clean.

To prevent blockages and ensure the system is running efficiently, simply vacuum any dust out regularly.

Smart light bulbs

We all love creating cosy rooms with lighting in our homes, but leaving all these bulbs on can add up.  Much like the smart thermostat, smart light bulbs can also be controlled from your phone wherever you are.

This is handy if you accidentally leave a light on and leave the house.  You can turn it off using a smartphone app.

Not only can smart light bulbs save money on your energy bills, but they can also act as a security feature so you can turn lights on periodically when you are absent from home for long periods of time.

Solar panels

You can reduce energy bills with renewable energy sources such as solar power. 

Unfortunately you can no longer sell unused energy generated back to the grid in the UK using the profitable Feed In Tarrif (FIT scheme).  The government stopped this scheme in March 2019, but you can use the new SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) set at different rate with different energy providers.  At the time of writing, Octopus Energy offer the best rate for this.

Even without selling back the excess, you can still make savings on your energy bill and of course, be more eco-friendly by switching your home to solar power.

A typical installation costs around £6000 and it should be a long term investment as it could take several years for the solar panels to pay for themselves.

You can maximise savings on your energy with solar power storage batteries.

This will enable you to save all the solar power energy that is generated during daylight and not used for your appliances, allowing you to use it when there is no daylight.

Also, at the time of writing, there is no VAT on solar panels in the UK meaning you can get a great quote on solar panel installations currently.

Change energy suppliers

One of the biggest mistakes many people make when it comes to overpaying household bills is to stay loyal to the same energy supplier year after year.

Sure, there might be reasons you don’t want a particular energy supplier due to a negative experience or bad reviews, but there are numerous suppliers out there and many have competitive tariffs.

For example, if you are considering exploring competitive energy plans, Fairway Energy offers various flexible options to help you save on your energy costs while enjoying excellent customer service.

If you are not fussed about who your supplier is, there are websites which automate switching energy providers so you stay on the cheapest tariff each year.

Even if you are not in the UK, you should have options about your energy supplier and be able to choose the best rate and service for you. For example, you can enter your zipcode on the Energy Outlet website to find the best energy plan for your home in just a few minutes. 

See if you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The boiler upgrade scheme, initiated by the UK government, presents an excellent opportunity for homeowners to reduce their energy expenses. Through this scheme, qualifying households can receive financial support to replace their outdated, inefficient boilers with modern, energy-efficient models.

These upgraded boilers are specifically designed to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy, resulting in substantial long-term cost savings.

By participating in this scheme, homeowners can not only enjoy a more efficient and reliable heating system but also significantly lower their energy bills. This initiative aims to help individuals and families across the country make their homes more affordable to maintain while benefiting from improved energy efficiency.

Find out more information at https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme

See if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme

The UK Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government initiative that aims to provide financial assistance to eligible households to help them with their energy costs during the winter months. The scheme operates through participating energy suppliers and offers a one-off discount on the electricity bills of eligible customers.

The discount is applied directly to the electricity account of eligible households, helping them to lower their energy expenses and keep their homes warm during the colder months. The scheme primarily targets low-income and vulnerable households, including those receiving certain means-tested benefits.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme plays a crucial role in reducing fuel poverty and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable and adequate heating.

Find out the latest details at https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

See if you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 23 September 1958 there is a valuable support called the 'Winter Fuel Payment' available to assist with heating expenses. You could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The latest information and to apply if you are not automatically enrolled and believe you should be can be found at https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

By visiting this website, you can ensure that you have the latest information regarding eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and any additional changes that may have occurred.

As of October 2024, there have been significant changes to both the Winter Fuel Payment.

Winter Fuel Payment

• Eligibility: The most notable change is that the Winter Fuel Payment is now means-tested. This means that only those who receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the payment.
• Amount: The amount of the payment remains the same: £200 for those aged 66 to 79 and £300 for those aged 80 and over.

By visiting this website, you can ensure that you have the latest information regarding eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and any additional changes that may have occurred.

See if you qualify for the Cold Weather Payment

The Cold Weather Payment is a government scheme designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who receive certain benefits and are living in areas experiencing exceptionally cold weather. This payment is intended to help them cover their additional heating costs during periods of very low temperatures.

Eligibility for the Cold Weather Payment is determined based on the average temperature in a specific area over a seven-day period. If the temperature falls below a specific threshold, eligible individuals will receive a payment of £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather.

This payment is made automatically to eligible recipients and does not need to be claimed separately.

The Cold Weather Payment is a valuable support that ensures vulnerable individuals can afford to keep their homes warm during harsh winter conditions.

The latest info on this payment is at https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

By visiting this website, you can ensure that you have the latest information regarding eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and any additional changes that may have occurred.

Free insulation and boilers

Do you receive tax credits or income-based benefits?

If so then you may qualify for a grant towards a new boiler which can drastically reduce the cost or even make it free.

The scheme is called the Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme.  It’s a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.

Large gas and electricity suppliers – including British Gas, EDF Energy, Eon, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE – are obliged to help households with energy efficiency measures including efficient boiler upgrades and loft and wall insulation.

Having sufficient wall and loft insulation, as well as an efficient boiler, can all help to slash the cost of your energy bills.

Additional tips and roundup of how to save money on energy costs

Save money on your gas bill and electric bill by reducing your energy usage with these tips.

Energy-Efficient Appliances:

• Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.
• Look for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings.
• Upgrade to energy-saving refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

Home Energy Use Audit:

• Conduct a comprehensive energy audit of your home.
• Check for drafts and seal air leaks around windows and doors.
• Insulate attics and walls to prevent energy loss.

Electronics and Devices:

• Unplug electronics and devices when not in use.
• Utilise smart power strips to cut off power to devices in standby mode.
• Optimise energy-saving settings on computers, TVs, and other electronics.

Efficient Water Heating:

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water usage.
• Insulate hot water pipes to minimise heat loss.
• Set the water heater temperature to an efficient level (around 120°F or 49°C).

Adopt Energy-Saving Habits:

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Utilise natural light during the day.
• Adjust thermostat settings for optimal energy use.
• Do laundry and run the dishwasher with full loads.

Solar Power and Energy Storage:

• Consider installing solar panels to generate renewable energy.
• Explore options for solar power storage batteries to maximise energy savings.

Switch Energy Suppliers:

• Regularly compare energy suppliers to find the best rates.
• Use online platforms that automate switching to the cheapest tariff.

Government Grants and Schemes:

• Check eligibility for government schemes, such as the Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme, which offers assistance for efficient boilers and insulation.
• Explore the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payment, and Cold Weather Payment for additional financial support during colder months.

Final thoughts

There are numerous ways to save money and lower your energy bills, from installing smart technology, maintaining your heating systems, investing in renewable energy, upgrading your boiler and properly insulating your home.

As well as many government schemes if you are of a certain age and/or receive certain benefits to help with your energy savings an a lower energy bill.

And, of course, don’t forget to switch off lights when you leave a room and follow the other standard tips and advice from above!  The little things really can add up and make a difference. Remember, every small step counts towards reducing energy consumption and saving money on energy bills.

Incorporating these ideas into your daily routine and making energy-efficient upgrades can have a significant impact on your household's energy costs.

 

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