1 week Ago By [email protected] (Nicola Croal)
An energy expert has revealed the top ways to save money this winter ahead of the 10% energy price cap rise starting from October 1 2024. Share your email to get the latest property news We have more newsletters Share your email to get the latest property news We have more newsletters Winter can be a challenging time for many households due to the financial strain that often comes with rising energy bills as temperatures drop. The situation has become more urgent with the recent alarming announcement by Ofgem that the energy price cap will increase by 10% starting from October 1, 2024.
This update means that the typical annual energy bill for a household will rise from £1,568 to £1,717, a huge blow to many considering that energy prices are already around 50% higher than they were before the energy crisis began three years ago. This increase is primarily caused by volatile global gas markets, which geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events have aggravated. While some relief may be in sight for the following year with a potential price drop in 2025, the immediate impact of this rise is devastating for the 27m households on a standard variable tariff, who will feel the full brunt of these hikes.
Thankfully, there are some ways you can keep your home warm this winter without breaking the bank, from smart curtain control to insulating your hot water tank. To help those looking to save cash, energy expert James Elson from EcoHappy has revealed some of the most effective methods you can make use of this winter. Here are some of his top tips below: Kitchen: Maximise Your Dishwasher and Minimise Kettle Use.
Energy savings in the kitchen can be achieved with clever choices, James advises. "Kettles are one of the most commonly used appliances, but overfilling them can waste a lot of energy," James notes. "By only boiling the amount of water you need, you could save around £11 a year on your electricity bill.
" The expert suggests ensuring your dishwasher is full before running it to maximise efficiency. He points out: "A full dishwasher uses less water and electricity per item than washing by hand. "Reducing your dishwasher use by just one cycle per week could save you about £13 annually.
" Bedroom: Keep Curtains Closed During the Day. James offers a straightforward tip for bedrooms, which can lose a lot of heat: "Close your curtains when you leave the house in the morning. This helps to reduce heat loss and makes your room feel cozier.
" However, he cautions against letting curtains cover any radiators, as this could trap heat where it's not wanted. Living Room: Turn Off Standby Mode. James highlights that electronics in standby mode, such as TVs, game consoles, and lamps, can consume a surprising amount of energy.
"You could save around £55 a year just by switching these off when not in use," he claims. He also endorses the use of "standby savers" or smart plugs, which can turn off power to several devices at once. If you're reliant on electric heaters, Elson advises a rethink: "Gas central heating is generally more cost-effective.
If you need to heat a specific room, adjust the radiator valve in that room rather than using an electric heater." Bathroom: Cut Down Shower Time. While long, hot showers may be appealing during winter, they can also be expensive.
James suggests limiting showers to four minutes. He explains: "This could save the average household £65 a year on their energy bills." For bath lovers, Elston recommends replacing just one bath a week with a quick shower to save an extra £14 annually.
Utility Room: Opt for Cooler Wash Cycles. Despite the temptation to use hot water for stubborn stains, James recommends sticking to cooler wash cycles. He states: "A 30-degree cycle can save around £27 a year compared to higher temperature settings.
" He also proposes reducing the number of weekly washes, which can significantly lower your energy usage. Hallways: Be Clever with Lighting. Even though it might be dark by 4 PM, it doesn't mean you should leave lights on unnecessarily.
"Switching off lights when they're not needed can save around £20 a year," James clarifies. He also highlights the advantages of using LED bulbs, which consume considerably less energy than traditional incandescent ones. Attic: Insulate for Savings.
Hot air tends to rise, making it essential to insulate your attic or loft to keep the warmth from escaping. "If your home lacks proper insulation, you could be losing up to a quarter of your heat through the roof," Elson warns. He recommends homeowners check their roof space for adequate insulation and consider do-it-yourself options such as mineral wool or fibreglass rolls, which can prove cost-effective over time.
Boiler Room: Insulate Your Hot-Water Tank Turning to the boiler room, an area often missed when seeking energy savings is the hot-water tank. James said: "Insulating your hot-water tank with an inexpensive jacket can save you around £45 a year." He also suggests insulating the hot water pipes to further minimise heat loss.
"It might not seem like much, but every little bit adds up." Price Comparison: Don’t Overlook the Savings When it comes to cutting down on energy bills, James says people shouldn't underestimate the power of price comparison sites. He added: "Platforms like Utility Saving Expert can help you find the best deals on your energy tariffs.
" "Switching providers or adjusting your plan based on current offers could lead to substantial savings, especially during these high-cost winter months." Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages..
