Updated: Feb 21, 2023
2022 has been a memorable year for all the wrong reasons. Topics of doom and gloom are seemingly unavoidable within news bulletins, while an endless cycle of concerning information continues to circulate, adding up to a somewhat bleak outlook for Britons. everyday people need all the help they can get during this period, with a harsh (and costly) Winter on the horizon. A particular area of worry is that of the rising energy costs.
Although there have been strides taken to intervene and combat these monumental increases, concerns remain. Of course, the real focus should be on additional government intervention, or retrospective action from energy providers themselves, though there are a number practical tips to slash costs. Read on and let UK Energy Management take you through a carefully curated selection of useful advice.
An Unprecedented Crisis
The UK’s heavy reliance on gas to heat homes and produce electricity has made us particularly vulnerable to price surges and sudden increases – during a period of time in which the ongoing war in Ukraine has seriously affected our supply. Numerous U-Turns from energy companies, unfulfilled promises across the board, and consequential political events have complicated matters even further, with countless households in Britain facing the prospect of a Winter without sufficient energy resources.
A speedy large-scale household insulation programme has been suggested as a viable solution, while a faster rollout of wind and solar energy for homes is touted as an alternative. Ultimately, there must be action soon, or hundreds of thousands of homeowners face a startling dilemma.
The Current Situation
The issues faced by residents of The United Kingdom represent unknown territory for 2022, with no single definitive way to rectify issues across the board. What UK Energy Management can offer however, is our expertise within this particular subject. Aside from providing multiple energy grant options for eligible applicants as part of the ECO4 scheme, we can act as consultants, using our targeted knowledge of energy-efficiency to guide you on your way.
Of course, the last thing you’re likely to want is the stress of implementing large-scale changes within the domestic space, so we have made sure that our suggestions are practical and realistic, able to seamlessly integrate into your daily life without requiring a drastic overhaul. Stress-free and memorable, keep these tips in mind and make steady monthly savings.
Out With The Old
As you may expect, household utilities and optional extras may decline in efficiency over a period of time, meaning that you’re paying extra for items which are functioning below-par. The most notable appliances known to drop off in quality include ovens, fridge freezers and even smaller utilities such as microwaves and toasters. Less efficient appliances could add an unnecessary chunk of almost £500 a year to your energy bills, making immediate replacements a worthy option. Many comparison experts competently calculate the energy efficiency of selected products, so don’t hesitate to take a look on sites such as Which? For added insight.
In addition to the informed judgement of industry experts, looking out for the energy label attached to appliances can be advantageous. The energy label tells you exactly how much energy that appliance uses, comparing it to similar appliances. This can help you find gadgets that use the least amount of energy.
Consider Renewable Electricity
Renewable electricity is a fantastic alternative to traditional means of powering appliances and items, as this self-sufficient solution can provide a source of energy regardless of skyrocketing expenses. Solar panels, wind energy from small wind turbines and air source heat pumps are just several interesting examples of renewable energy. They may be considered pricey as an initial purchase, but will more than make up for it with long-term savings. If you are the recipient of Child Benefit, Income based Jobseekers allowance or another selected benefit, you may even be eligible for funded measures.
These useful electric heating grants are all part of the ECO4 scheme, a periodic government-backed scheme which has gone through several different cycles since 2013. The current ECO4 incentive was introduced in April 2022, and is expected to conclude in 2026. In short, it is in place to provide an incentive for energy suppliers to provide sustainable assets to households in need. Targeted homes are generally those which are considered to be living in fuel poverty, and are therefore vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold space.
Reducing Heat Loss
Many households are allowing internal heat to leave through poorly insulated loft areas and open windows, therefore requiring additional heating measures which will quickly accumulate in cost. Though it may be suitable to leave windows open during the warmer months of the year, keeping all windows closed during the Winter season as a general measure will eliminate the need for radiators, heaters and other heat outputs. Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation can be other fantastic additions for retaining a warmer interior as this will stop the rising heat from leaving your home via small gaps and openings within the loft area.
Conserve Water
Conserving water can be as easy as taking a slightly shorter shower, or swapping your soak in the bath tub for a brief shower to avoid wastage. Even actions as seemingly insignificant as turning the tap off while you’re cleaning your teeth, or being conservative with the hose while watering the garden can make a difference. Of course, these aren’t household habits which are seeing hugely significant increases to your bills, and ultimately you should still be able to enjoy your daily routine without worrying about the financial repercussions.
Smart home controls are worth a look to keep track of water usage, and will reliably inform you of any sudden unexpected changes in your billing cycle, as well as household habits. Surprising patterns or discrepancies within your billing could indicate wider issues, such as a leak within your pipe network, or new appliances and fittings which are having an adverse effect on water usage (common in dishwashers or power washers). Many smart control systems are even linked with smartphone apps, allowing you to check up while you’re on the go.
Quick Tips
Review this set of quickfire tips, and you’ll notice the figures dropping from your monthly spend in no time. From practical everyday activities done differently, to simple actions you should be taking before leaving the house, who said saving on bills needed to be a monumental task?
Remember to Switch Off!
We’re all guilty of leaving our chargers plugged in and active overnight, or forgetting to unplug and turn off the toaster at the mains, but is this causing a dent on electricity bills? In short, yes. Any switched on charger that is plugged in will still use electricity, regardless of whether the device is plugged in. This can even shorten the lifespan of your gadget or utility, so keep a mental reminder to turn off at the mains after every charge or use.
Fully Loaded
Fully loading a dishwasher, tumble dryer or washing machine before using it will mean you’re making the absolute most of each cycle, preventing the need for constant loading and unloading, while staying on top of unclean plates, dishes or garments. While a load shouldn’t be fully filled to the brim for every single wash, avoid using these appliances for just a handful of items, preventing the need for constant energy-intensive operations.
Being Smart With Meters
Smart meters and controls are of course a valuable addition to any home, with plenty of practical uses including energy-saving functions, regularly updated monthly spending reports, and individualised heating controls for different rooms – which can be activated away from your property. With a convenient interface and assortment of useful features, the Wiser Home smartphone app is designed for anyone with access to a functional mobile device.
UK Energy Management: Electric Heating And Insulation Providers
At UK Energy Management, we continue to innovate and improve in an effort to assist those we work with. Our work ensures varied sustainability measures and innovative solutions are available to the local community, while eligibility criteria for electric heating grants have been extended to include a wider audience. As we continue to deliver our targets from funding partners, we have a positive impact on the quality of living nationwide, making necessities more affordable and accessible. Fully equipped to manage projects from inception to completion, with a real focus on customer experience, our collective decades of accumulated knowledge place us among the very best energy efficiency partners.
Cut costs and save in the long-term with adjustments to your home. From storage heaters and insulated loft additions, to solar panels and other measures, whether you live in a spacious bungalow or detached family home, we have the ideal utilities for you. Any questions? Contact us at your earliest convenience. We would be happy to help out!
