Cash advice
While saving money is still the priority for many people when it comes to energy, the way we think about it is starting to change. Reviewing the way you use energy in your home will not only save you money, but help protect the environment. Here’s five changes you can make around the house… 1 INSULATE YOUR HOT WATER TANK
According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), insulating your hot water tank could save you around £20 a year. But, while most of us know about the cost benefits of insulating tanks and pipes, doing this can also make your home more sustainable, too. Insulating tanks and pipes reduces the amount of carbon dioxide they emit. Ensuring you have the correct amount of insulation is key to saving money and making your tank more sustainable. ‘A hot water cylinder jacket should be at least 80mm thick,’ says Laura McGadie, head of consumer advice at EST.
2 GO GREEN!
Green energy refers to energy that’s generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or hydroelectric energy.
It can also be made from non renewables, but the provider pays to offset carbon emissions. If you’re unsure of how green your energy supply is, start by asking your current provider for information on your tariff. If you decide you want to switch, make sure you do your research. Use comparison sites such as moneysupermarket.com or uswitch.com, to compare suppliers to make sure you get a good price, too.
3 DRAUGHT-PROOF YOUR DOORS
Draught-proofing your home is an easy way to save money on your bills. According to EST, draught-proofing your windows and doors could save you £20 a year and you could save £15 a year for an unused chimney. Block unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Saving warm air means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, so you’ll save money. If you’re looking for sustainable excluders, you can buy products made from fabric rather than plastic.
4 SMART LIGHTS
Smart bulbs use LEDs, which use 80 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs. Some have the potential to last for years, meaning they’re less wasteful and you get your money’s worth. Smart lights work by connecting to your smartphone or voice assistant device (like Alexa) to allow you to perform a range of functions without ever touching a switch. This includes allowing you to turn lights on and off. While these sound like a wonderful invention for tech-lovers, they’re also better for the environment.
5 SMALL STEPS
‘You’d be surprised at what small steps can make a big difference – both to energy bills and your contribution to climate change… whether it’s changing lightbulbs, switching provider or turning down the thermostat – to cut emissions and bills,’ says Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom. Visit simpleenergyadvice.org.uk to see what changes you can make.