As winter fades and temperatures finally rise, your energy usage naturally shifts. While you might not be blasting the heater anymore on a daily basis, it’s likely you will need to switch it on still occasionally, and you also could be using more garden lighting as days get longer and we inch towards summer. To help you save money and reduce energy waste, here are some easy ways to lower your energy bill this spring.
Adjust Your Thermostat for Spring Weather
Like all other seasons in the UK, spring weather can be vastly unpredictable, but adjusting your thermostat can keep your home comfortable without wasting energy.
Set your thermostat to 18-21°C when you’re at home and slightly higher when you’re away. The UK government and the NHS recommend keeping your main living areas at 18°C or higher, especially for older adults and young children, however, some people prefer around 20–21°C for extra comfort. When you’re sleeping or away from home, lower the thermostat to 15–18°C to help save energy. Or, get comfortable with layering! Some people opt for 16–18°C and wear warm clothing to reduce heating costs, so don’t pack those winter jumpers away just yet, and have a blanket handy near the sofa for those cooler evenings.
For the energy-conscious amongst us, consider investing in a smart thermostat to automate temperature control based on your schedule, such as the Hive or Nest thermostats, which quickly learns how your home warms up or how draughty it is, so it only uses the energy it needs. However, as temperatures rise, turn off the heating and use good old-fashioned natural ventilation by opening windows on mild days, and bring in all those delicious spring scents into your household at the same time!
Service your Boiler & Bleed those Radiators!
When was your boiler last serviced? A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, saving energy and money. From a safety point of view, a boiler service also ensures that dangerous carbon monoxide isn’t leaking into your home atmosphere, so is something that should be on your annual checklist of household jobs, and if you can’t remember your last boiler service – you should be ringing your plumber as you read this! In the meantime, bleed your radiators to remove trapped air and improve heating efficiency, and check for cold spots on radiators – if they persist, power flushing might be needed, which your plumber can also advise on.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Longer daylight hours mean you don’t need as much artificial light. But when you do, why not be smart about it? LED bulbs consume up to 90% less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Much like the natural ventilation mentioned earlier, take advantage of natural light by opening blinds and curtains during the day, and enjoy those increasingly longer evenings (unless you have young children, where blackout blinds should be in your Amazon basket if they aren’t already installed!) Finally, consider installing motion sensors or timers for outdoor and less-used indoor lighting to avoid unnecessary use.
Is your Alexa doing you dirty?
Many devices consume energy even when not in use, known as vampire devices, and you will have more of these all over your house than you realise. By being energy-conscious about unplugging these devices when they aren’t being used, you could save up to £147 per year according to Heatable. Unplug vampire appliances such as TVs, microwaves, and chargers when not in use. Even your Alexa is draining power when not in use – so pull the plug now! Use smart plugs or standby savers, like those offered by UK energy companies, to automatically switch off devices when not in use, and watch your energy bill shrink before your eyes.
Reduce Heating Costs with Simple Fixes
Even in spring, chilly evenings can mean heating is still needed – but you can make it more efficient by draught-proofing doors and windows to prevent heat escaping. Use thermal curtains at night to retain warmth, and open them during the day to let in the sun – there’s not a lot that beats spring sunlight flooding into your house (other than reminding you of the dusting you need to do!) Finally, make sure your home is correctly insulated – if eligible, check for government grants for loft or cavity wall insulation through schemes like ECO4.
Cut Down Hot Water Usage
Heating water accounts for a significant portion of your energy bill, and while hot water is an everyday necessity, there are things you can do to reduce your energy usage on this front. Start by taking shorter showers and consider a water-efficient showerhead, especially if you are a large family, or have several showers installed in your house. In addition to this, lower your boiler’s water temperature to 55°C instead of the default 60°C to reduce heating costs – we promise you will still have a perfectly hot shower! For the caffeine addicts amongst us, only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle – this can save up to £40 a year on electricity!
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Energy Rates
If you’re on a Time-of-Use tariff (like Economy 7 or Octopus Agile), knowingly shifting your energy use can lead to noticeable savings. Overnight is the best time to run your dishwasher, washing machine, or charge your EV, when electricity is cheaper, so ensure those appliances are switched on just before bed. Have solar panels? Consider a battery storage system to store cheaper energy for later use, and reduce your reliance on the grid.
Lowering your energy bill this spring doesn’t require drastic changes – just a few smart adjustments can make a big impact. By optimising your thermostat, maintaining appliances, and making small daily changes, you can enjoy a comfortable home while keeping your energy costs in check. Done all the DIY you can and want professional help with energy-efficient upgrades? Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your home more energy-efficient this season!