The onset of autumn means that the joys of winter can’t be too far off.
No-one likes spending more money than they need to, and winter often brings with it high energy bills and other unexpected household costs.
But there are a few simple changes that could have a significant impact on your annual bills – and the sooner you start, the more you can save in the long term.
1: Lofty ideas
Badly-insulated roofs and walls are a major cause of energy wastage in UK homes.
Most properties have some type of loft insulation, but a lot isn’t thick enough to efficiently stop heat escaping.
Upgrading your loft insulation to the recommended depth of 270mm could save you between £120 and £225 annually, depending on the type of property you live in, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
2: Upgrade your boiler for major savings
An inefficient boiler could be adding hundreds of pounds to your energy bill, and upgrading to a more efficient model is a great way to cut what you pay in the long term.
The experts at Woolfoot Heating say that if your boiler is over 10 years old, you should consider replacing it with a newer condensing boiler.
Boilers are now rated on an A to G scale, with A signifying the most energy efficient. If your current boiler is rated at the lower end of the scale, then investing in a new model could save you literally thousands of pounds in the longer term..
Boilers account for up to 60 per cent of CO2 emissions from a gas-heated home, so it’s also a great way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
3: Draught up a plan
Often, the simplest solutions are the best.
A large proportion of UK households haven’t draught-proofed their windows and doors, and it’s actually one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency.
It can be done relatively easily yourself, using cheap plastic seal strips around doors and windows – and in winter you’ll see an immediate benefit.
Hanging thick curtains in front of windows can also prevent heat escaping.
This will help create a warmer home – and lower bills for you.
4: Consider double glazing
If your home is a little older and doesn’t have double-glazed windows yet, just take a look at the difference it could make to your energy bills.
The initial investment could be quite high, but double (or even triple) glazing stops much more heat escaping from your home than single-glazed panes, saving you money on energy bills in the longer term.
Installing high-quality double glazing is one of the best ways that you can make sure your home is well insulated.
5: Cavity wall inspiration
Cold, uninsulated walls are another major cause of heat loss in the home.
Filling the cavities in your walls could save you between £70 and £255 a year, but again the initial outlay might not be cheap.
Cavity wall insulation costs upwards of £330 depending on the size of the property – but some government installation grants are available depending on your circumstances.
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