How To Save Energy Moving Into The Winter Months!

Winter is just around the corner, and so if you’re wanting to move into the colder months with a more energy efficient home to help the environment and your bank balance, you’re in the right place. There are so many simple things that you can do, whether you’re wanting to invest in your home to save money in the long term, or you’re wanting quick and easy changes that won’t cost you much money at all. From your first apartments through to your third or fourth home, we’ve got you covered.

Adjust Your Washing Routines

The first thing you can do, which is really simple, is to adjust your washing routine. When it comes to the temperature you wash at, you should definitely wash at 30 degrees, as with modern washing tablets, you don’t need to do it any higher. If something is particularly dirty, you might want to increase it to 40, however washing at 30 will clean your clothes, save energy and help to prolong the life of your clothes, as hotter temperatures can put them under more stress. Another tip is to only wash when you need to wash your clothes, so for things like jumpers and denim that only need to be washed in a blue moon, bear this in mind. Also make sure you’re filling the machine ¾ of the way full before doing a wash. 

In the winter specifically, something that can use a lot of energy is a tumble dryer, as you’re not drying outside. So, something you can do is to add an extra spin cycle so they require less time in the dryer, you could get a heated clothes horse that run on low energy but can help to speed up the drying process, or you could get a dehumidifier which really helps to dry your clothes and is likely cheaper to run than your dryer. 

Get A Smart Meter 

Something else you should do is get a smart metre. Many energy providers will install a smart metre for free, and this measures the amount of energy you use, sends metre readings to your energy providers, and also highlights which appliances are using how much energy. With a smart metre, not only are your energy bills more accurate, but you can also save energy, as you’ll see which of your appliances are using the most energy and then look at ways to reduce. 

For example, perhaps your energy bill is excessive, you may need to look at getting a new boiler. You might be using your oven a lot which is using so much energy, so you might look to bulk make more meals. Small adjustments can make a big difference when you know where your energy is being used! 

Reseal Your Windows and Doors

Something else that can make a big difference without you needing to replace your windows and doors is to reseal them. You’d be surprised at how much drought can seep through poor seals, so if you don’t have the budget for brand new double or triple glazed windows, this is a great alternative. This can also reduce the amount you need to spend on water damage restoration from mould and damp issues. 

You can get this done professionally or do it yourself, by using a utility knife to remove the current sealant, clean the frames, apply the new sealant, smooth it out completely with either your finger or a putty knife, seal the corners and make sure everything is neat and well sealed. If you do one window at a time over the course of a few weeks it’ll be done in no time! 

Improve Your Insulation 

One of the best things you can do to help save energy is to improve your insulation. Whether you get loft insulation, external wall insulation, or conservatory insulation, if you currently don’t have much insulation, it can make such a significant difference. Insulation is designed to prevent cold air from leaving your house and to keep warm air in, to reduce energy usage and therefore reduce your energy bills. It costs less to heat your home and keep it warm, which is a huge benefit in the colder winter months. 

Consider Replacing Your Boiler 

Last but not least, one of the most significant improvements you can make to save energy in your home is to replace your boiler. If your boiler is nearly 10 years old, it’s worth replacing it, as they’re so much more energy efficient now and effective. So, you’ll cut down on your energy bills, but you’ll also gain more consistency in terms of when you have hot water available, so no more surprise cold showers! This is a big investment, yet once it’s done, you will save money and enjoy the benefits that come with a more up to date boiler. Make sure you choose the right boiler that’s as efficient as possible to maximise the potential in terms of saving energy.