According to the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, total energy consumption in the UK increased by 1.1% in 2018, the highest level it’s been since 2013. While energy usage per household has been on a negative trend since 2000, household energy spending increased significantly in 2018 compared to the year before.
That being said, there is a lot homeowners can do to lessen their energy expenditure, both to benefit the planet and their personal finances. In our post ‘Home Improvement for 2016’, we showed how owning a home means updating it. This article will look at five home upgrades you can do to save money on your energy bills.
Installing smart plugs in your kitchen
We usually have a habit of leaving kitchen appliances on standby even when we aren’t using them. Consider installing smart plugs that turn off automatically and lessen energy wastage in one of the busiest rooms in the house. New high tech smart plugs are connected to the Wi-Fi, which allows you to operate them using a smartphone app from just about anywhere. You can even opt for smart plugs that employ voice control.
Using LED light bulbs
Investing in eco-friendly light bulbs can significantly lessen the cost of your electricity. Switching all of your bulbs to LED alternatives can save a household approximately £35 annually on energy. LED bulbs use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and can last much longer. While they cost a little more to purchase, they save you more money in the long run. Consider switching your outdoors lights to LED light bulbs as well.
Upgrading your boiler
Having a boiler can use up a lot of energy, especially if it is constantly keeping the water warm rather than heating it when required. Boilers take up an average of 55-60% of annual energy bills. When it comes to saving money on heating, HomeServe suggests that you should upgrade your old boiler, especially if it seems like it is ‘on the way out’ or more than 10-years-old. If you currently have a regular boiler, a good substitute would be investing in a combi-boiler, as they only heat the water you use. An upgrade like this, allows you to save money while also cutting your home’s energy emissions.
Investing in insulation
Building standards throughout the UK require you to have your extension insulated. However, it’s also a good step to have the rest of your home insulated as well if you want to reduce household energy consumption. External insulation makes cold rooms in your home significantly warmer without using electricity, while also reducing the chances of damp and mould spreading through your house. The Energy Saving Trust reports that solid wall insulation can save a family between £115-£215 a year on fuel costs depending on the size of your home.
Installing water-efficient shower heads
Some home upgrades allow you to use less energy while also saving on other finite resources. Innovative shower head add-ons have been created to provide high water pressure while actually reducing the amount of water you use while having a shower. Aside from using up less water, you’re also saving on energy by spending less on water heating. The Green Age says the best part about these kinds of shower heads is that they don’t require a whole bathroom overhaul, because the shower heads can be installed on any shower that isn’t electric. Water efficient shower heads go for around £30 while saving a household as much as £70 a year.
*contributed post
