Five free ways to combat big energy bills this winter

Top energy expert James Elston from nationwide solar installation company Green Central comments “While many homeowners are aware of major energy-saving investments like solar panels or electric vehicle charging stations, there are several low-cost strategies and habits you can get into that can yield immediate results”.

So, let's take a look at the top five free things you can do to help reduce your energy consumption and save on your bills:

Optimise Your Combi Boiler for Best Savings

Setting your combi-boiler's flow temperature to the recommended 60 degrees can save up to £100 a year. "Many people make this mistake and are set 10 to 20 degrees higher than necessary, which can cost them a fortune over the winter period” states Elston.

Adjust Your Thermostat To The Right Temperature

Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can reduce energy bills by up to 10%. Given the projected annual energy costs of £1,717 in 2024, this small adjustment can lead to significant savings.

Elston comments, " It seems like we all feel the pinch every winter now, and as households grapple with increasing energy prices, these practical tips can lead to immediate savings without significant investment".

Keep Kitchen Appliances Clean and Efficient

A clean kitchen is not only more appealing but can also save energy. "Little things like keeping hobs and ovens free of debris improves heat efficiency, potentially saving you around money every year by reducing cooking time".

Chef Special: Turn Off Early

Elston also advises, "If keeping the door firmly shut, you can just switch off your electric oven 5-10 minutes before the cooking time ends to keep heat. This simple practice can help you save those few extra pennies on energy costs".

Cool Before Refrigerating

Finally, Mr Elston recommends the simple trick of letting food cool down sufficiently. "This extra patience can really pay dividends if you have the time to let hot food cool before placing it in the fridge or freezer to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, defrost frozen items in the fridge to save cooking time and maintain cooler fridge temperatures".

By getting into these simple habits and recommendations you can help to manage the increase in energy bills and still live in a warm and cosy home all year round.