How to reduce energy bills this winter

In 2022, energy prices have risen by 7%, which is the highest in thirty years. This has mainly been a result of wholesale gas prices increasing, and the expense has been passed onto the billpayer. While there’s no indication that energy prices will drop any time soon, there are some things that you can do to try and save yourself some money. Below, we introduce some handy tips that will help you reduce your energy bills this winter. 

Deal with the draughts 

Unless you’ve recently moved into a new build, the chances are that certain parts of your home are a little draughty. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing your entire home costs around £200, but it could help you save £25 per year on your energy bills. It will also keep you warmer! Professional draught-proofers will close all the small gaps around your doors and windows and ensure that your house is completely protected from the elements. 

Choose energy-efficient appliances

If you’re replacing an appliance this winter, make sure you choose an energy-efficient model to keep your bills under control. According to Which, choosing an energy-efficient appliance over a standard model can save you hundreds of pounds a year. Here are the annual savings you can expect by choosing the following energy-efficient appliances:  

• Fridge freezer – £138 
• Tumble dryer – £137 
• Washing machine – £69 
• Dishwasher – £44 
• Built-in oven – £37 

While we’re not suggesting that you should go out and buy brand-new appliances this winter, it does make sense to opt for an energy-efficient appliance if you were planning on upgrading anyway. 

Replace your lightbulbs 

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of reducing your energy bills this winter is to replace your lightbulbs. LED light bulbs use 90% less energy than standard incandescents and can lead to £180 in savings over their lifetime. When you consider the fact that a new LED bulb costs less than £3 to install, this is one money-saving tip that you can’t afford to ignore this winter. 

Upgrade your central heating controls 

Given the huge rise in energy prices this year, keeping your use of central heating under control can save you a huge amount of money. The Energy Saving Trust predicts that installing a thermostat, programmer, and thermostatic radiator can save you £75 per year on your heating bills. 

You might also consider installing a smart meter so you can monitor your-real time energy use. This can help foster better habits and will motivate you to be more mindful of your energy consumption. 

Turn your devices off 

Leaving your TV on standby costs on average £11 per year. While this might not seem like an awful lot of money in isolation, the fact that most homes have multiple TVs, as well as a range of other devices that are always on standby, shows how quickly that figure can multiply. 

So, instead of using your remote to switch your TV to standby after watching your favourite show, get into the habit of turning your TV and other devices off at the socket, as you will save a considerable amount of money each year. 

The key takeaway is that reducing your energy bills is all about fostering better habits. Opting for LED lightbulbs, turning your devices off, and being mindful of your use of central heating will all bring your bills down dramatically. So, as energy prices are still at an all-time high, we hope these simple tips will help you save money this winter. 

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