Energy Saving Tips For Your Home

1. Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree

One of the simplest yet effective tricks to help you save energy at home is turning your thermostat down by 1 degree. This may not seem like a big difference, but it can cut your heating bill by 10%, according to the Energy Saving Trust . A good habit is setting a timer on your thermostat for your heating to come on only when necessary. Remember, you don’t need to warm every room – just those you use!

2. Move furniture away from radiators

Placing furniture in front of radiators could prevent heat from flowing into the room. This means they will need to work harder to warm your spaces. We recommend moving furniture at least an inch or two away to improve air circulation and help you hit your desired temperature quickly.

3. Switch tech off standby

According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could save up to £60 a year by switching your devices off standby. You can switch most appliances off at the plug without upsetting their programming, but check the manufacturer's instructions if unsure.

Consider getting a standby saver or smart plug to turn off all appliances in one go.

4. Turn off lights

As simple as it may sound, turning off the lights is a great way to save energy. It's easy to forget about them, but switching them off whenever you leave the room can help you save up to £25 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Consider replacing your lightbulbs with LED bulbs – more efficient and long-lasting.

5. Defrost your fridge and freezer

The fridge and freezer are two of the most energy-consuming appliances at home, so checking that they're in good working order is essential. Regularly defrost them to stop them from using more energy than necessary.

6. Bleed your radiators

Ensure your radiators don't have trapped air, as this can make them less efficient. If the top feels colder than the bottom, you'll need to bleed them by following these simple steps:

1. Turn your radiators off
2. Place a jug under the bleed valve and insert the bleed key
3. Turn the key anti-clockwise until the air starts coming out (you'll hear a hissing noise)
4. When the water starts coming out, turn the key clockwise to re-tighten the valve
5. Turn your heating back on

7. Avoid using the tumble dryer

Tumble dryers are handy but require a lot of energy. Consider drying your clothes on racks outside or inside to save up to £60 a year.

8. Don't overfill the kettle

We all love a cup of tea, but overfilling the kettle can cost time, water and money. Try to boil only the amount you need to save up to £12 a year.

9. Invest in solar panels

Solar panels convert the sun's energy into electricity, making them an energy-efficient option for your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can save up to £420 a year.

Some of the benefits of solar panels include:

• They produce renewable energy
• They reduce carbon footprint
• They're considered 'permitted development’
• They require little maintenance
• They can help increase your property value

 

Saving energy is easy when you buy your new Barratt home. Browse energy-efficient 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses and discover unique home buying offers to help you move.

Call today to reserve your perfect property.