5 Ways Families can Save Money on their Energy Bills this Winter

As winter begins to approach, it’s more than likely that you’re already beginning to glance towards the thermostat. But, with energy costs as high as they are at the moment, simply putting the heating on may result in an incredibly large bill. So, because of this, you have to be a little eco-conscious. Contrary to popular belief, being eco-conscious doesn’t necessarily mean spending thousands, and there are simple tips and tricks the whole family can do which will add up to a big saving. Here are just five:

• Turn off Appliances

It may seem rather obvious, but leaving electrical appliances such as furnaces on standby when you do not intend to use them again for a while is quite a waste of money.It’s thought that just by switching electrical items off at the plug when not in use – such as the television at the end of an evening – could save a household around 85 per year. This might not be too much (around 7 per month), but every little penny helps. After all 85 is good for a few Christmas presents.

• Turn it Down

Even turning the thermostat down by a single degree can save you around 65 per year. So, making such a small sacrifice can make a big difference. After all, one degree is nothing, and research shows that most homes are actually overheated. However, there could be instances where you might feel that the your home is not heated properly, even when you have cranked up the heat. That is one of the most obvious sign of a furnace needing repairs. If the furnace is not producing heat or only produces a small amount regardless of the settings on the thermostat, it is imperative to have it repaired immediately. Leaking ductwork allows heated air to escape, and faulty thermostats do not communicate with the furnace correctly, leading to inadequate heat. This could also potentially increase energy consumption, and in turn, your energy bills could shoot up as well. In such circumstances, it is best to have HVAC experts like Air Makers to take a closer look at the problem and fix it immediately!

• Wash at 30

Turning a room down by a single degree can make a difference, but turning your washing machine’s temperature down to 30 degrees instead of 40 degrees can make a huge difference; especially if you’re a large family.

In addition to this, get the instruction booklet out and ensure you’re using eco-conscious settings. Finally, make sure that you’re only washing when the load is full.

• Buy New Light Bulbs

Replacing your old bulbs with energy efficient ones will mean quite the saving. Plus, because your bulbs will last for years and years, you’ll be making even greater savings over the lifetime of a bulb, which could be around 60 per bulb.

• Insulate

Finally, if you do have some money to eco-proof your home, then proper insulation is the one thing you should opt for. This can potentially save you thousands over the course of a few years, so it’s well worth investing in.

So, there we have it, 5 great ways that your family can save money on their energy bills this winter. Most come without the need to spend a single penny.