As winter continues and temperatures plummet, many UK households are seeking ways to keep their homes cosy without incurring extra costs. Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, has offered his top tips for keeping your home warm this winter while also saving money.
His initial advice is to reduce the temperature of your hot water. Most UK water heaters are set to store water at around 60-65C – a temperature too high for bathing (and hotter than typically required for a washing machine or dishwasher load), meaning you’re essentially paying to overheat.
Instead, adjust your water heater to a more comfortable 49C, reports the Express. This temperature generally meets most household needs and can decrease your heater’s energy usage by 4 to 8%, potentially saving around £20 a month during winter.
Another money-saving tip is to only preheat the oven when a recipe specifically demands it. If a recipe doesn’t explicitly call for preheating, skip it and put your food in immediately.
Your food can start warming as your oven heats up, reducing the total time your oven needs to be on. After cooking, turn off your oven and open the door to let the heat spread into your home.
For reheating small items, use the microwave. Microwaves typically consume less energy as they heat food faster, which can save you money.
Another effective method to save money is by making the most of your appliances. Ensure you only operate your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re fully loaded and use the eco or energy-saving setting.
Regarding the dishwasher, you can also economise by forgoing the drying cycle and opting to air-dry dishes instead.