You need to spend money on items like your gas and electric, but it doesn’t mean you can afford it all the time. The costs of bills are continually rising, but your wage is likely remaining the same. You need to find ways to reduce the cost of your utility bills and here are some tips to get you started.
Use a Hot Water Bottle
Instead of putting the heating on, why not fill a hot water bottle and sit with that on the couch? There are many advantages to this; and not just saving money. You will be able to localise the heat if any muscles need easing and the heat will continue for a few hours, without having to worry about it eating into your pocket.
Add the Layers
If you’re still cold with the hot water bottle, add another layer or two. You could invest in a dressing gown, which is usually warmer than a cardigan, or have blankets for the couch.
If you’re having a day at home on the couch, why not make it a duvet day with the kids and snuggle up to watch DVDs?
Get Out of the House
If you spend time out of the house, you’re not going to use the electricity or gas as much. There’s no need to have things on if you’re not using it.
Spend more hours outside of the house. You could visit friends or get them to meet you at the park or for lunch. Take the kids out for a walk or find some free days out.
Use the Heat from the Oven
When you’ve had the oven on, you won’t realise just how much heat you’re wasting. Instead of closing the door after cooking, keep it open slightly and let the heat leave the oven and enter your kitchen. That will heat some of the surrounding area, so there is less need for the heating to be on.
Turn Appliances Off
If you’re not using an appliance, turn it off at the wall and unplug it. Leaving it on standby is just a waste of money.
The same applies to the lights—turn them off every time you walk in and out of a room. It may seem annoying at first, but you could save hundreds on your bills every year with this one little trick.
Insulate Your Home
Check if the insulation is up to standard. This applies to the in-wall as well as the loft options.
There are various government grants available if you haven’t got the right insulation, due to incentives to keep your heating costs down.
Seal Your Windows
If you have windows that aren’t in use, seal them up. There are always tiny gaps and the heat will escape from them. Another trick is to invest in double-glazed windows. Not only are they warmer, they are also harder to break so your home becomes safer. This helps to cut down on your home insurance costs.
Block the Draughts
The last thing you want is to find all your heat is escaping. It just ends up costing you more in your energy bills. The best thing that you can do is draught proof your home. Go around the skirting boards and block any holes that you find. Tape up windows that you’re not going to use and invest in blockers for the doors to keep the heat in the room, instead of escaping underneath it.
Keep the Radiators Free
Don’t block your radiators. This just stops the heat from getting around your room. Move the furniture away and stop placing clothes over the top. You will soon find that you feel warmer and you don’t need to have the heating on throughout the day. It is also worth turning the heaters off in the rooms that you’re not in, especially in rooms that you won’t be using at all over the Christmas season.
Double Glazing Is an Energy Saver
Most homes already have double glazing, but you may be one of the few who doesn’t. If your windows are single glazed, you’re wasting energy. The heat is escaping through the glass; not to mention the windows break easier. It may seem like a big expense right now, but it will save you money in the long-term.
Insulate Your Walls and Loft
Another trick to keep the heat in is insulation. You can get wall cavity and loft insulation, and both are worth considering. Some governments are even offering tax rebates or offers for this to help you save on the cost. You will need to hire a professional, who will be able to check whether insulation is possible and give you an estimate.
Insulate Your Pipes
When the pipes freeze, the boiler will stop working. It does it automatically to save itself. You don’t need anything special to insulate your pipes, or even hire a professional. This is a DIY task that you can do yourself with the right material. Watch out for any material that melts to the pipes when they get hot! You will also need to check the outside pipes. If they freeze they can burst, and you have a much more expensive and unhygienic problem to deal with.
Keep Your Thermostat Down
There’s no need to have your thermostat higher than 20 degrees. 16 degrees is considered best for young children, but it can seem colder at first. If you have it much higher, you will end up spending more money on your heating bills; and money that you don’t necessarily need to spend. When it comes to the water heater, you want it at 60 degrees at a minimum to avoid bacteria spreading around your home.
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