Five Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

How to Save Energy at Home

Nowadays, finding the balance between home comfort, saving money and living sustainably is a tricky tightrope walk. UK winters are dark by four and cold from the get-go. Inevitably, you notch up the heating and turn on the lights more often. However, this results in our energy bills rocketing and many struggling to cover the costs. 

According to the Office for National Statistics, struggling to afford bills is a key financial stressor for people across the UK. In 2023, 49% of surveyed adults reported being behind on energy bills between September and January 2023.  They also reported higher levels of anxiety and poorer mental well-being. 

Making your home energy efficient does more than reduce your carbon footprint. It can bring down the cost of your energy bills and even increase the value of your home in the long run. 

Here Are Some Energy-Saving Tips:

Use Appliances with a High Energy-Efficiency Rating (EPC)

The biggest energy sappers in our homes are the ones which generate heat and require prolonged running. That means devices like washing machines and tumble driers, especially with a low EPC rating.

A D-rated appliance costs you around 26p per wash, while an A-rated appliances cost 16p a load. Modern washing machines can also run your loads in a colder setting, which long-term can save you up to 40% on your energy bills. 

Switching to an energy-efficient appliance might feel like an intimidating upfront cost. However, electronics retailers like Curry’s now allow you to finance big purchases, so you can upgrade more affordably. 

Switch to a Smart Thermostat (Smart Meter UK equivalent)  

A smart meter device automatically takes your meter readings for gas and electricity and sends them to your supplier. The meter has an in-home digital monitor showing your energy usage in real-time throughout the month and what it costs. 

Why are smart meters better? Well, a smart meter allows you to accurately track your energy use and adjust it based on what you can afford. They also provide suppliers with accurate data on the energy you use, so you pay for what you use.

An added perk is that you can often access cheaper time-of-use tariffs from your energy provider. Time-of-use tariffs make it less expensive to use energy at certain off-peak times of day. 

Turn Off and Turn Down

Turning off lights when you leave a room will help to lower your energy bills, as will turning off certain appliances at the main socket when not in use. Things like your TV and chargers continue to draw on small amounts of energy if they aren’t turned off at the mains socket, even if you shut off the device.  

Turning down the radiator valves in rooms you aren’t using will also reduce energy bills. Smart Energy GB suggests putting them at a midway rather than a high temperature could save you around £40 a year.  

Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs

According to the Energy Saving Trust, lighting makes up 11% of UK household electricity consumption on average. Replacing your standard light bulbs with LED bulbs and opting for an LED-fitted Lamp will help you save energy. LED light bulbs last longer and consume significantly less energy.

To reduce unnecessary light use, optimise the natural light in each room by opening curtains and blinds. Decorating with light colours and putting up mirrors is also a great way to amplify the existing lighting. 

Embrace Smart Home Technology 

Square Roots homes are integrated with smart home technology, including LED lighting and a smart thermostat. You can control the temperature and lighting from your phone and continuously check energy consumption. 

The Benefits of Energy Saving at Home:

• Increasing Your Property Value

Energy-saving homes and properties with green certifications tend to sell for a higher price. 

• Reducing Your Utility Bills

Efficient appliances and conscientious use will help lower your bills. 

• Buffering Energy Price Fluctuations 

Electricity and gas rates fluctuate throughout the year and climb annually. An energy-efficient home will help to offset the impact of price increases. 

Save Energy in Your Square Roots Apartment

Our shared ownership apartments make saving on your bills easy. Each home in our Lewisham development benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, smart appliances and LED bulbs throughout. Contact the Square Roots team to register interest in a property.