With the 10% energy price cap rise now cemented into place from this month forward, many Brits are trying to figure out how to tighten their budgets without getting a chill in their home this winter.
However, there are a range of tips, hacks, methods and techniques that they can put in place to force their energy costs down while keeping their heating on high during the colder months.
Renewable energy surveyor, Sean Slawson, of Geo Green Power, warned Brits the vampires they should be looking for this autumn aren’t only out on Halloween but they’re likely lurking in their kitchens.
He explained how these vampire devices suck your energy: “Devices in standby mode still consume energy, and reducing this can lead to surprising savings. Televisions, computers, and gaming consoles are major contributors to so-called ‘vampire’ energy consumption.”
The expert pinpointed some research revealing an average of £147 per household is lost to these vampire devices every year.
Rather than a stake through the heart, these vampire devices simply need to be unplugged in order to stop sucking up needless energy.
Sean also recommended smart power strips, which automatically cut the power to devices not in use.
Some items like TVs may have energy-saving features like automatic shut-offs or screen dimming which can help knock down their energy usage even more.
The expert shared some other handy tips to keep down expenses while keeping up the heating, as he noted this will also likely make households more eco-friendly during the winter months.
One of the more unique hacks is the use of reflective items to improve the efficiency of your radiator.
Putting reflectors, or even just simple tin foil, behind your radiator will ensure heat is reflected back into the room and stops any from seeping through the walls and being lost to the chill outside.
Sean also recommended making your laundry more eco-friendly by avoiding the machines whenever possible.
He explained: “Tumble dryers are the most expensive to run. Try to avoid their use completely and use sunny days to dry clothes outside whenever possible. If you do need to use the tumble dryer, place a dry towel in with dryer loads to reduce energy use by absorbing excess water and limiting the need for multiple runs.”
Putting on the eco-setting on dishwashers and washing machines while reducing the amount of times you run both each week could take a chunk out of your energy bill. The expert revealed using one less run on the dishwasher each week could save £11 annually while washing clothes at a cooler 30 degrees could cut down £22 a year.
