Energy saving hacks to save you money

For many of us the warm months mean a brief dip in gas bills. But there are ways to extend your energy savings into winter that do not rely on good weather. Start with these eleven easy hacks.

1. Insulate your windows

Windows are one of the main ways warmth leaves your home, particularly single glazed ones. Curtains help, but close them only at night. For more, add clear adhesive plastic to the inside of the panes.

2. Add a water bottle to your toilet tank

Toilet flushing is the single highest use of water in the average home. A two-litre plastic bottle filled with water and weighed down with stones in the tank reduces water used per flush.

3. Keep temperatures down

Lowering heating and hot water by a couple of degrees saves money with barely any difference. Washing clothes at 30 degrees gets them just as clean.

4. Tightly pack your freezer

A full freezer loses less cold air when opened, so it does not have to work as hard to bring the temperature back down.

5. Air-dry your clothes

Air-drying clothes reduces energy use, is better for the environment and is gentler on your wardrobe. Outdoors in sunny, blustery weather is best, but a warm, well-ventilated room works too.

6. Turn off power strips at the wall

Devices on standby use significant electricity. Keep several plugged into one extension lead so you only have one switch to turn off when leaving the room.

7. Track and programme your usage

Smart thermostats let you track, set and amend your usage so it is more efficient. You can monitor and change your heating from your phone, so it is on only when you need it.

8. Bathe economically

Showers and baths use a lot of water and heat. Have deep baths only occasionally and keep showers to six to eight minutes. A low flow aerated shower keeps pressure high while limiting waste.

9. Fill your dishwasher up

A full dishwasher is thought to be more efficient than handwashing, depending on technique. Fill it to capacity before running it.

10. Microwave leftovers

Minutes in the microwave are far more energy efficient than heating a whole oven for hours. Always opt for the microwave where you can.

11. Get cosy

When the cold sets in, do not just whack on the heating. Put out rugs and throws, use draught excluders and wear slippers and a jumper. You will be amazed how much warmer you feel.

If you would like to talk about getting an energy efficient boiler, our friendly customer care team is happy to help.