August 5 - Energy Saving Tips

Energy Saving Tips

We’re into the last stretch of summer. August is upon us and the nights are starting to draw in. We hate to break it to you, but winter will be here before we know it, bringing with it colder days and even colder nights. And that means a sharp increase in energy use.

With fuel bills at an all time high, we could all benefit from learning how to stop wasting energy and save money on our energy bills. From little changes in the way we use energy, to embracing more significant home improvements, at Ostrich we believe there’s much we can do to help cut back on our energy usage and save money in the process.

6 ways to cut your energy bills

Install an energy saving condensing boiler

Looking for the biggest drain on your energy bills? Look no further than your boiler. They account for around 55-60% of your energy costs. In other words a lot! The average household could save up to £305 a year with a new boiler replacement, when replacing an old G-rated boiler with a new A-rated energy efficient condensing gas boiler. Installing a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves could save you around £70-150 a year too.

Switch your energy supplier

Energy suppliers are in competition with each other, so switching supplier is an effortless way to cut costs. According to price comparison website uSwitch you could save up to £383 by switching to a better deal. It’s a big saving for not a lot of effort.

Pay bills by direct debit and go paperless

Many energy companies also offer customers a discount if they agree to pay their energy bills by monthly direct debit. Consider switching to paperless billing too. As with direct debits, many energy suppliers also offer discounts for paperless billing. You will need to have access to an e-mail account though.

Take regular meter readings

Bills based on estimated meter readings could mean you end up paying for much more electricity and gas than you actually use. It's important to take regular meter readings to keep track of the amount of energy you are using so you can cut back if you need to.

Make a few home improvements

From loft and cavity wall insulation, to double-glazing and boiler replacements, there are various measures you as a homeowner can undertake to become more energy efficient and save money by reducing your fuel bills. The Green Deal, which offers energy efficient makeovers to thousands of homes across the UK, means there's never been a better time to undertake those much-needed home improvements.

Generate your own energy

Renewable energy technologies like solar photovoltaic panels are becoming more and more popular. So much so, over 500,000 households in the UK have switched to solar energy. The benefits include lower energy bills, reduced CO₂ emissions and, better still, you get to earn a nice little extra income from the solar feed-in tariff. What’s not to love?  

10 more tips to stop wasting energy

1. Turn off the lights whenever you leave a room.

2. Don't leave appliances on standby.

3. Don't leave mobile phones and laptops on charge unnecessarily.

4. When making a hot drink, only boil as much water in your kettle as you need.

5. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could typically save you up to £75 per year. If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when required.

6. Check that your water isn't too hot. Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F.

7. To stop heat escaping through windows, close your curtains and check for draughts around windows and doors.

8. Fill up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher. One full load uses less energy than two half loads.

9. Make sure taps are turned off and fix any leaking taps. In just one week, a dripping hot water tap can waste enough hot water to fill half a bath.

10. Switch to energy saving light bulbs. They last up to ten times longer than an ordinary bulb, and could save you around £24 a year.