Gas Cost Crisis – how to save money

Gas Cost Crisis – how to save money

The cost of living is quickly becoming a major problem for all British households. Experts have warned the Energy Cap could soon exceed more than £4,000 per year for the first time in history. What’s more, analysts say the high costs of gas and electricity could continue to plague homeowners for at least the next two years (into 2024).

As costs continue to reach new heights, it’s becoming more important than ever for consumers to think carefully about how they can keep their costs low. Unfortunately, during the colder months, it’s hard to stay comfortable and preserve your finances at the same time.

Today, we’re going to be looking at some of the top tips you can use to save a little extra money on your bills this winter, as the temperatures begin to drop.

1. Upgrade Your Windows

Though the concept of making major upgrades to your home might be daunting in a time of tighter purse strings, upgrading your windows could save you a fortune in the long term. Upgrading to double or triple glazing could help you to reduce between 25% and 50% of the energy lost through your windows on any given day.

There are various energy-efficient window treatments you can also consider to ensure your home is prepared for the colder months of the year. Speaking to a specialist window installation company like KJM should help you to define which strategies are best-suited to your needs.

2. Banish Draughts

According to some reports, British homes are among the draughtiest in Europe. The more draughts you’re dealing with as a result of poorly-fitted window frames or doors, the more you’re going to end up spending on your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing homes with the right seals and accessories can save £45 per year on energy bills.

When you’re working to reduce draughts in your home, remember to think beyond your windows. Your doors can also be just as problematic, particularly if you have an old-fashioned door without the latest weatherstripping technology.

3. Bundle Up

It might be an old-fashioned tip in the eyes of some homeowners, but adding extra layers to your clothing really can make a huge difference to your gas bills. If you’re feeling too cold in your home, consider wrapping yourself in a cosy blanket, or throwing on an extra pair of socks before you turn up the thermostat.

If you’re particularly cold at night, you could consider investing in a hot water bottle. The heat provided by one of these accessories can keep you warm for hours, requiring just a few seconds of kettle-boiling electricity. For bonus warmth, take advantage of the opportunity to snuggle up with your loved ones whenever you can.

4. Have Showers Instead of Baths

Did you know that around 12% of a typical gas-heated household’s bill will come from the cost of heating hot showers, baths, and hot water from your taps? While running a bath might be a great way to relax from the stresses of the day, it also requires more energy overall.

A quick shower will get you just as clean, and ensures you’re wasting less water on a daily basis. You can even get special shower heads which are designed to improve the efficiency of your plumbing. For the best results, experts recommend sticking to around 4 minutes per person for your shower.

5. Switch off Devices and Appliances

We’ve all made the mistake of leaving our televisions running or our bedroom light on when rushing around in the home first thing in the morning. However, turning the devices you have off when you’re not using them can make a huge difference to your energy bills.

Switching your devices to stand-by mode alone could be enough to reduce your energy costs by around £55 per year. If, like many people in the UK, you pay a combined bill for your gas and electricity, cutting down on your appliance usage will definitely make a difference to your finances.

6. Use Washing Machines Carefully

Washing machines are crucial to our day-to-day lives, but they can also consume a lot of electricity. While you might not be able to cut down on the number of loads you wash each day, you can reduce the heat of your washing machine to save some extra cash.

You’ll be able to slash the cost of your energy bills even further by drying clothes by hanging them inside or outside of the house, instead of using a tumble dryer. Try to avoid using your washing machine for small loads too. Although you don’t want to over-work your appliances, you’ll also need to make sure you’re making the most of every cycle.

7. Make the Most of your Radiators

If you rely on radiators to keep your home warm during the winter, it’s worth making sure you’re getting the most out of your investment. Bleed your radiators regularly to ensure they’re working at top performance. It’s also worth cleaning your radiators when you can, as a layer of dust can affect your heating bill, and your allergies.

As tempting as it might be to dry your clothing on your radiators when you don’t want to use the tumble dryer, it’s usually a good idea to avoid this strategy too. Using radiators to dry your clothes increases the condensation in the air, and it can also make it harder for your heating system to keep your home at the right temperature.

8. Get Your Boiler Serviced

If your boiler is starting to age out, then there’s a good chance it won’t be working nearly as efficiently as it once did. A defective boiler can make a huge impact on your heating bill, as they need to work harder to bring your home and water up to the right temperature.

Paying for a service can save you money on a much more expensive repair bill later on, and it could also mean you can heat your home more quickly during the winter months.

Survive the Energy Crisis

The cost of living crisis has caused significant stress for a lot of households throughout the UK already, and the issues are set to get worse. If you need help making sure your home is prepared to perform as energy-efficiently as possible, contact the team at KJM today!

KJM Group supplies an extensive range of low maintenance and energy efficient windows and doors, throughout Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Dorset, and Wiltshire. This includes secondary glazing, casement, tilt and turn and vertical sliding windows and doors in PVC-U, timber and aluminium and energy saving triple-glazed windows with U-values as low as 0.5 W/m²K. For more information on our range of energy efficient windows and doors please don’t hesitate to call or email me or the sales team on 01264 359355 or [email protected].

Also Read What are the benefits of double-glazing?