The latest research from boiler installation and repair experts, Boiler Plan, has revealed the perfect temperature for ensuring your home is warm throughout winter, without the risk of spiralling bills.
Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, it’s natural to keep a closer eye than usual on the purse strings, while identifying opportunities for savings, so that money is available for items like presents, parties and festive food.
The topic of energy efficiency is also a key talking point in the lead-up to this month’s general elections, with politicians from every party discussing their own strategies for tackling the issue.
According to the data, keeping your thermostat at 18-20 degrees will help you relax in comfort while keeping bills modest.
Cold temperatures and dark nights during the winter months can also create a spike in energy and electrical bills and most households can expect an increase 20% on bills across the season.
And to support consumers this festive period, Boiler Plan has shared a series of insider tips on how to make your household more energy efficient - and keep costs down.
Turning down the thermostat
Ultimately, you are in control of how you heat your home, but, as the temperature rises, so does the cost. According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning down your thermostat by just one degree could save you up to £85 a year.
Insulation
Insulating your property will prevent heat from escaping and prolong the effects of heating your home. Having well-located windows, well-sealed doors and ensuring walls, lofts and foundations are thermally insulated can reduce heat loss by 25-50%.
Smart controls
Having a smart meter or smart thermostat can bring multiple benefits. A smart meter allows you to track in real-time the amount of electricity you are using and enables you to limit the amount of waste. A smart thermostat means you can switch your heating on and off as you please remotely, without the need to have a pre-set timer on your boiler, which again reduces waste and therefore keeps costs down.
Swapping your bulbs
Switching from normal halogen bulbs to LED or energy-saving light bulbs can reduce energy consumption, and also have a longer lifespan. Experts believe that you can save roughly £35 a year from making these changes to your lighting - another example of a short-term investment delivering a long-term monetary gain.
Buy energy-efficient appliances
Replacing old inefficient household appliances also provides an opportunity to bring your spend down. Items such as a kettle, fridge or even your boiler itself may not be as efficient as they could be. By changing your appliances to more energy-efficient models, the amount of electricity used to maintain them will be cut significantly and their performance will be enhanced, resulting in lower energy bills in the short and longer term.
