News

Tips for saving energy at home

How you could save money by making a few small changes

Until the end of the year, Ofgem's price cap limits the average annual cost of energy to £1,834. Although this is a £151 annual reduction based on the previous three-month price cap, there are some ways you might be able to reduce your energy use and bills further.

Take a look at some tips and see how much you could save.

Get the most out of your heating system

  • Save up to £180 per year by isolating individual radiators using thermostatic valves to only heat the rooms you need
  • Save up to £105 per year by turning down your thermostat down by one degree if it is safe for you (most people are comfortable between 18°C and 21°C)
  • Move furniture away from radiators
  • Avoid radiator covers
  • Bleed your radiators
  • Book an annual boiler service to maintain efficiency
  • Turn your heating system off when you're not at home (it's cheaper to heat your home from scratch when needed)
  • Choose thick curtains and keep them closed at night

Hot water

  • Save up to £100 a year if you have a water meter by fitting a water efficient shower head (contact your provider as some provide them for free)
  • Save up to £75 a year by reducing showers to no more than four minutes
  • Save £50 a year by insulating your hot water cylinder
  • Save £17 by swapping one bath a week for a four minute shower

Elsewhere at home

  • Save £105 a year by draught proofing gaps
  • Save £65 a year by draught proofing your chimney when not in use
  • Save £60 a year by switching devices off standby
  • Save £55 a year by replacing old bulbs with LEDs
  • Save £25 a year by turning off lights when they are not needed

In the kitchen

  • Save £60 a year by avoiding using the tumble dryer
  • Save £37 a year by not overfilling the kettle and using a tap aerator
  • Save £30 a year by washing at 30 degrees and do one less wash a week
  • Save £15 a year by reducing your dishwasher use by one run a week

Source: The Energy Saving Trust

How we can support you

Free funding to heat your home: If your home is not primarily heated by mains gas, you might benefit from a grant of up to £25,000. This is available for families with a household income of less than £31,000. The grant can be used to fund heating and insulation measures. For more information including full eligibility, visit the Action Surrey website.

Financial and health support: We know that more and more people in Surrey are finding themselves in challenging situations and struggling with finances and health. The Health and Welfare Support web page provides information about support available to you. You can also call our Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 (Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm) and we'll point you in the right direction.

Energy Advice Tool: Our free online Energy Advice Tool is available to anyone living in Surrey and offers free information and advice regardless of your financial situation. By answering a few questions, you'll receive tailored information and advice on a range of topics and find out details of schemes you might be eligible for.

Support from others

·

More from greener futures