As the winter chill continues and temperatures plummet, numerous UK households are seeking methods to keep their homes cosy without incurring extra costs due to price hikes. Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, has offered his top tips for maintaining a warm home this winter while also saving money.
His initial advice is to reduce the temperature of your hot water. The majority of water heaters in the UK are set to store water at approximately 60-65C – a temperature too high for bathing and often unnecessary for washing machines or dishwashers, leading to unnecessary expenditure on overheating.
Instead, adjust your water heater to a more agreeable 49C. This temperature typically suffices for most household needs and can decrease your heater’s energy usage by 4 to 8%, potentially saving around £20 per month during winter, reports the Express.
Another money-saving tip is to only preheat the oven when a recipe explicitly requires it. If preheating isn’t specifically mentioned in a recipe, skip it and put your food in immediately; it can start warming as your oven heats up, reducing the total time your oven needs to be on.
After you’ve finished cooking, turn off your oven and open the door to allow the heat to circulate throughout your home. For reheating small items, use the microwave. Microwaves generally consume less energy as they heat food faster, which can result in savings.
Another fantastic method to save a bit of cash is by making the most of your appliances. Ensure you only operate your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re fully loaded, and always use the eco or energy-saving setting.
Additionally, with regards to the dishwasher, you can also make savings by forgoing the drying cycle and opting to air-dry dishes instead.