Five simple energy-saving tips that could help households save money this winter

ST. MODWEN HOMES SHARE ITS TOP HOUSEHOLD ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

With the cost of living on the rise, the national housebuilder reveals some handy steps to take to help reduce energy costs.

It’s safe to say that the rising cost of living is something we are no stranger to, so with winter fast approaching and energy bills on the rise, the nation is desperately searching for ways to reduce its energy costs.

As of 1^st April, the energy price cap saw an increase, leaving the average household on default tariffs paying up to £1,971 per year. And with further predictions estimating bills could rise about 80% this winter compared with prices in April, it is more crucial than ever to take steps to reduce energy consumption.

Everywhere we look there’s news of increasing costs – from energy bills to fuel prices – making it incredibly hard not to feel overwhelmed and under pressure financially. But what if we told you there are some simple yet effective steps you can take around your home that will help you save money? Jo Winston, Sales Director at St. Modwen Homes, reveals all:

Close doors to unused rooms

As the weather cools down and our houses need a helping hand from the heating, your gas prices are likely to soar. However, to help keep your space warm (without spending a fortune), there are a few tweaks you can make. One simple change is to ensure doors are kept closed in unused rooms – this helps reduce the size of the spaces in your home that you’re trying to heat. Another great way to help keep your house warm is to use draft excluder cushions along your door edges to stop the heat from escaping!

Keep an eye on your gadgets

If you’re a household filled with phones, iPads, and laptops that all need regular charging – it’s worth taking note of how long they all sit plugged in. It may seem obvious but leaving your devices to charge overnight is no doubt going to increase your electricity bill. Instead, just charge them up for a couple of hours in the day and you’ll soon notice a difference. A small but vital step. Plus, make sure you don’t forget to ensure your laptop isn’t plugged in all day when working from home – as this will very quickly add up.

Defrost that freezer

Believe it or not, avoiding defrosting your freezer could be causing you to spend more money. Quite simply, the more ice gathered within your freezer, the more it is costing you in energy. So, the best thing to do? Defrost it, and you’ve just made a saving!

Wash your clothes with cold water

A great step to take if you’re looking to spend less money is washing your clothes with cold water. Most washing detergents and fabric softeners are designed to work just as effectively in a cold wash – so there is no need to be blowing your budget on hot washes.

Use energy-efficient bulbs

Despite having a higher price tag when you initially buy them, energy-efficient bulbs can ultimately help you cut down on your electricity costs. Next time one of your bulbs runs out (or maybe even before), make the transition and you won’t regret it. It might not seem like a huge saving, but it soon adds up.

So, there you have five simple steps you can take to make a saving. You’d be surprised how embracing some of these small steps into the running of your home can make a big difference in the long run.

For further information about St. Modwen Homes visit here.