8 Ways to Beat an Autumn Fuel Price Hike
As the leaves change colour and the days become shorter those of us closely monitoring our household expenses need to take action. The annual fuel price increase is nearly upon us – yet again! Bills always rise in the colder months but when a price increase is factored in, it makes the issue more serious. But there are things you can do to help.
Aydin Sigva of Cavitech share his top tips.
These seven strategies can help you to keep your house cosy and your budget intact while beating the autumn fuel price rise.
1.Conduct a Home Energy Audit
First, do a house energy audit. This need not be as frightening as it sounds. You will basically be pointing out parts of your house where energy is wasted. Examine windows and doors for drafts; also, look for holes around pipes or ducts. If you fix these leaks and, if needed, add insulation, you will use a lot less energy this year. Just avoid blocking airbrick or vents as these are needed in all homes.
2.Insulate Walls and Loft
Insulation is one of the best ways to save money on heating costs. Tightly seal your loft and walls to retain heat. Wall and loft insulation helps you save up to 35% on your heating bills. Roof insulation will help stop up to 25% of your heat loss. Good insulation saves energy by keeping the heat in and the cold out of your house, therefore improving its comfort.
3.Fix Your Energy Tariff Now
Changing your energy tariff before costs rise will help you avoid unanticipated increases. Setting a fixed-rate tariff guarantees that your energy expenses stay constant, enabling better budgeting. Examine several tariffs and select one that best fits your consumption pattern, hopefully saving you money over time.
4.Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Purchasing less energy-consuming goods will help you save a lot on your utilities. For example, you should look for A+ energy-grade appliances. These gadgets run using less electricity. These products can help you consume less energy over time.
5.Limit Use of High-Energy Appliances
If at all possible, avoid running high-energy appliances such as tumble dryers. Alternatively, hang items to dry using a line or drying rack. This small change will make a big difference in your power bill. You might want to wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot water. It uses less energy and is better for the clothes. Batch cook and look at an air fryer as a cheaper alternative to a large oven.
6.Close Unused Rooms
During the winter, close off places you don’t use very often, like guest bedrooms or storage areas. Shut the doors and turn off the vents to retain the heat indoors. This increases the efficiency of your heating system and delivers more heat to the rooms you most utilise.
7.Optimise Your Heating Schedule
Changing your heater schedule might help you to consume a lot less energy. You can set your heater to turn on right before you get home from work. A lot of modern heaters let you set different times for the week and the weekends, so you can make your heating work with how you live. You can save a lot of money on energy costs if you only heat your home when you need to.
8.Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Change your capacity to control heating costs by using a smart thermostat. These smart devices learn your calendar and adjust your heating according to that. It ensures that you’re not spending money when not at home. Using your smartphone, you can even remotely control them. This not only saves money but also keeps your house as warm only when needed.
Bonus Tip: Energy Efficiency Grants and Schemes
Many incentives and initiatives from your government can enable you to make your house more energy-efficient. These can pay for things like upgrading the boiler, investing in insulation, and even giving money to people who install solar panels. See what choices your local council or energy supplier offers to you. Early proactive action will help you to minimise the effects of the autumn fuel price increase and maintain a warm and comfortable house all through the season. Smart technology, basic lifestyle modifications, and investigating alternative energy sources will help you to enjoy autumn’s splendour free from the burden of rising energy expenses. Over time, every little adjustment adds up to major savings.