As winter approaches, it is important to use energy to stay warm, safe, and healthy, yet doing so may significantly increase your energy bills. However, there are simple adjustments that you can make to your daily routine that can have a significant impact on your energy costs. Here you can discover how to be more energy efficient and save money on your energy bill this winter!

Smart devices

Smart meters and smart thermostats give you more control over how much energy you use. They can help you keep track of how much energy you consume and how much it’s costing you. From this, you can reduce energy waste around your home and save yourself a great amount of money.

Smart devises include an in-home display which allows you to keep a closer eye on your energy usage patterns, displaying more precise metre readings, ensuring that you are only charged for the energy you actually consume.

Unplug any standby appliances

By leaving your appliances on standby, you waste energy that could have been saved by simply turning them off. By turning off all of your appliances while they’re not in use, your yearly energy costs could drop dramatically. Electronics like your television and speakers as well as kitchen appliances like toasters and kettles are among the main gadgets that use energy when they are in standby.

Change your light bulbs

This is something that the majority of us have already followed. However, it’s important to note that energy-saving light bulbs can significantly reduce your energy costs. LED light bulbs have a much lower annual cost than old-style light bulbs. These savings can add up to a lot of money when you sum up all the number of lightbulbs in your home. Remember that energy-saving light bulbs have considerably lower long term costs as they last far longer than conventional ones.

Service or replace your boiler

The majority of households spend more than half of their annual energy bill on central heating. Therefore, switching to a new, energy-efficient gas heater instead of an outdated, inefficient one could significantly reduce your bills. Of course, replacing your boiler should only be done if it is very old and often causes you problems. Savings are still possible if your boiler is still functional. A really quick approach to save money is to schedule a boiler service and ask your engineer to make sure it’s operating as effectively as possible.

Draught-proof your home

You will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, cracks in the floor, or through your chimney, unless your house is rather new. Preventing heat from escaping through these spaces can help you save money throughout the winter months.

You can do this by using draught-proofing strips around the frame of windows as well as the edges and bottom of doors. If you have a fireplace that you don’t use, block the chimney with an inflatable cushion or cover the chimney pot with a cap. You can also use draught-proofing foam strips on loft/attic hatches to further prevent heat escaping your home,

Electric heaters

It may be cheaper to utilise a portable electric heater and keep the thermostat low if you only need to heat one room in your house. Purchasing an electric heater could eventually reduce your heating costs if you’re a single person or work from home as you won’t be heating your entire house.

Check if you’re eligible for any grants

You can get help if you’re struggling to afford your energy bills or top up your prepayment meter. You may be unaware if you’re eligible for specific advantages, grants, and assistance provided by the government and energy providers. Visit our website here to find out more on grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills

If you’re concerned about paying your energy bills or falling into debt, you are not alone. There is help available if you are unable to afford the energy you need or are in debt with your energy provider. Here at Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale, we provide free, confidential and impartial information and advice to residents throughout the whole of Wales. For jargon free help and advice, please visit us at Citizens Advice or Contact Us here.