If you’re concerned about your heating bills, and want to be environmentally responsible, there are various ways to keep your carbon footprint low.
1 – Little Household Tweaks
Energy saving starts in the mind; if you take just a bit of time to think about your actual energy consumption, it’s amazing what savings can be achieved.
Don’t fill up the whole kettle when you’re only making one cup of tea, switch off lights in rooms that are not used, and fix draughty exterior doors. Did you know that you can save around £30 a year simply by turning your appliances, TVs and computers off standby mode?
Consider turning the central heating thermostat down by a degree and save around £80 per year. Better still, if you use thermostatic room valves (TRVs) fitted to individual radiators, you could save another £75-£155 a year.
Review your programmer settings. Does the heating really need to be on until 10pm? What about the hot water – could you have a quick shower instead of a long bath? Think about when electricity and hot water are actually needed in the household and reset your timer accordingly.
2 – Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Invest in energy saving light bulbs (also known as CFL – compact fluorescent lamps) and fittings, and don’t forget to replace your bright halogen lights with LED bulbs. Energy efficient lighting is no longer dull and ineffectual. On the contrary, bulbs now come in a wide choice of shapes and sizes to fit all styles and tastes. Replace all your household bulbs with energy efficient ones and save up to £35 per year on your electricity bill – a purchase well worth making.
3 – Upgrade Your Boiler
How old is your boiler? When was it last checked by a qualified engineer? Is it efficient?
If it is over 10 years old, then it’s time for an upgrade. With technology moving apace, new boilers have many advantages in terms of energy efficiency. Compared with older boilers, modern condensing boilers are extremely energy efficient. As boilers age – particularly when they are not regularly maintained – they become less and less efficient. With the combination of age and dated technology, older boilers tend to have considerably higher annual running costs, compared with a modern replacement – up to £300 a year in a typical semi-detached home.
If you are thinking of replacing your boiler, the professional team at BSW can provide you with expert advice and a competitive quote. Our engineers are highly qualified, Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, and trained to install to manufacturer standards for complete peace of mind.