Energy efficiency with Rachel Croft
The newspapers and television have all been covering the rising cost of living, with a big focus on soaring energy bills. So how can we save energy and money at home?
Our very own in-house energy efficiency expert Rachel Croft was recently invited on to BBC Radio 5 to talk about some of the ways we can all try to save energy and reduce bills every day.
Top tips from our energy saving expert
Rachel suggested a few things that could help to bring down energy bills at home.
If you missed Rachel on the radio, we can help. We’ve brought together Rachel’s Seven Savers – her top tips to save energy and reduce bills where you can.
1 – Turn down the thermostat by a degree
A report from energy experts at uSwitch suggests that turning down your thermostat by just one degree could save you £80 each year1 on your heating bill.
2 – Run your washing machine at a lower temperature
Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than higher temperatures saves around 40% of the energy used each year2. Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures, so save energy and hot water when you put the washing on.
3 – Dry clothes outdoors, or use an indoor clothes airer
If you have a tumble dryer, try to use it less. Air and wind drying is 100% free, so if you can, dry clothes in an outdoor space. If you do use an indoor airer or clothes horse, make sure the room stays well ventilated to avoid creating damp.
4 – Get the most out of the dishwasher cycle
If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher, only run it when it’s fully loaded. It’ll reduce your use of energy and hot water.
5 – Switch off household appliances at the plug socket
Make an effort not to leave televisions, DVD players, printers or computers on stand-by or ‘sleep’ mode. Experts say it could save your household up to £147 a year3 if you switch off so-called ‘vampire devices’.
6 – Change to LED lightbulbs
Research suggests savings of around £232 a year if you save energy by making the switch to LEDs at home4.
7 – Check your home is properly insulated – and ask about funding
Installing insulation can save you a huge amount on household bills. Cavity Wall insulation could cut energy bills by as much as £480 over the year5. Even something as simple and straightforward as installing Loft insulation could save a home up to £580 every year6.
Rachel is keen to stress how important this last point is, especially when energy costs are rising.
She says, “Many homes in the UK are not properly insulated – and some have no insulation at all. So do ask a reputable installer to check your home.”
‘People don’t know that help is available’
Rachel adds, “Households that need to save money on their energy bills should take action now – not later. That’s why I’m passionate about telling everyone that there is help to insulate your home if you need it.”
“Funding to install insulation is available to homes all over the UK. There are national schemes like ECO (the Energy Company Obligation) to help those who are struggling to pay their energy bills. And there are Local Authority and council grants too.”
“You can have Cavity Wall insulation and Loft insulation installed for very little cost, and in some cases, free*.”
“Many people aren’t aware of that.”
Get a home energy survey
Rachel says, “It’s very easy to start the process: just get in touch with your local installation company.”
“The installer will come out and do a home energy survey at your property. They’ll find out where you could save energy, how you can make your home warmer, and show you the huge difference it will make to your energy bills.”
“Depending on the size of your property, you could save hundreds of pounds year after year on your fuel bills.”
Improve energy efficiency at home
If you want to find out how you could save energy and make your home more energy efficient, you can ask us for advice. We can also see if funding is available to cover the cost of your installation.
