Environment

Whether you're saving your pocket or saving the planet, we're all getting more interested in energy saving this autumn. Here are some ideas for you to think about.   How many do you already do?

 

🟢 Level 1: Quick wins – little or no cost

• Turn your heating down a degree. Even a small reduction can make a noticeable difference to your heating bill. Try reducing your thermostat by 1°C, as long as your home remains comfortably warm.

• Don't leave the heating on all day unnecessarily. It's a myth that keeping a gas or oil boiler running all day is always cheaper. Use your heating timer to match your routine, unless you have a heat pump which works differently to traditional boilers

• Close your curtains at dusk. Curtains help reduce heat loss through windows, particularly older glazing. Open them during daylight to let the sun warm your rooms.

• Switch things off properly. TVs, computers and other appliances can use electricity on standby. Switch off what you don't need, while leaving essential equipment running.

• Use less hot water. Heating water is a major part of our energy bills. Shorter showers can cut both energy and water bills. Try reducing shower time by a minute or two.

• Wash clothes at 30°C and dry them naturally. Most everyday laundry can be washed at lower temperatures. Use a washing line when possible rather than a tumble dryer.  A dehumidifier can also help dry laundry in a closed room and is amongst the most energy efficient options, but be careful to keep humidity in your house low to maintain air quality.

• Only boil the water you need. Heating a full kettle for one cup of tea wastes electricity. Small savings soon add up.  And putting lids on pans you’re boiling not only saves energy but boils the water faster too.

🟠 Level 2: A little effort – inexpensive improvements

• Switch to LED light bulbs. LEDs use around 80% less electricity than old halogen bulbs and last much longer. Start with the lights you use most frequently.

• Stop those draughts. Draught-excluders, door seals and window strips are inexpensive ways to keep warmth in. Just don't block essential ventilation if you have a wood burning fire or oil/gas boiler

• Check your loft insulation. Heat escapes through poorly insulated roofs. See how much insulation you already have and whether it could be topped up.  Grants are often available for retired, vulnerable or unemployed people.

• Insulate your hot water tank and pipes. A well-fitted cylinder jacket and inexpensive foam pipe insulation help stop heat being wasted.

• Make better use of your radiators. Keep furniture away from radiators and use thermostatic radiator valves to avoid overheating rooms unnecessarily.  Make sure curtains are tucked behind radiators.  Keep rooms you don’t use on a low heat to avoid wasting energy but making sure the rooms don’t get musty.

• Check your energy tariff. You might save money by changing supplier or tariff. If you want to help the planet too, look for a competitively priced renewable electricity tariff as they’re often the same price as traditional polluting electricity

• Understand your energy use. Look at your bills or smart meter display to see what you're using. You might be surprised how much certain appliances cost to run.  Anything that generates significant heat is particularly greedy.

🔴 Level 3: Bigger changes – investments for the future

• Improve your home's insulation. Roof, wall and floor insulation can significantly reduce heating needs, although older buildings may need specialist advice.

• Upgrade your windows. Double glazing, secondary glazing or improvements to existing windows can reduce heat loss and draughts. Secondary glazing can be particularly useful in older properties.  Shutters or thick curtains with liners can also help a lot.

• Consider a heat pump. Modern heat pumps can heat homes efficiently without burning oil or gas. Government grants can make installation more affordable and they do work with older homes, but extra research is needed beforehand and it must be from a reliable company.  You may want to look at thermly.co.uk

• Explore solar panels. Generating your own electricity can cut bills, particularly if you use electricity during daylight hours. They also can add value to your house and pay back in around 5 years.  New plug in solar panels just hit the market but rooftop solar, installed by a professional company, is still likely to be your best bet for long term savings.

• Plan a whole-home energy upgrade. If you're considering major renovations, think about insulation, heating and ventilation together. Doing things in the right order can avoid expensive mistakes.

 

A warm home is a healthy home

Saving energy should never mean living in a cold, damp house. Aim to keep regularly used rooms at a comfortable temperature, at least 18°C where appropriate, particularly for older people and those with health conditions. Good ventilation is also essential to prevent condensation, damp and mould.

 

Struggling to pay for heating oil?

There is financial help available, particularly for households struggling with heating bills. Somerset's Heating Oil Help scheme may be able to support eligible households running low on heating oil. Government grants are also available towards certain insulation and heating improvements.  To qualify for the heating oil grant you must:

• live full time in Somerset

• use heating oil as your main way of heating your home or water

• have less than 300 litres in your tank

• are at risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water

• are in receipt of universal credit or pension credit or are not in receipt of any benefits but can show you cannot afford the minimum order required for a delivery

• have less than £3,000 in savings.

 Find out more​

• Government grants: gov.uk/energy-grants-calculator – find out what financial help may be available.

• Citizens Advice Somerset: citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk – local advice on energy bills, financial hardship and heating support.