It’s hard to escape the news of rising energy prices, something that is sure to cause a lot of worry for families and business owners. The rises are down to many factors, including the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, and even climate change as more people rely on their cooling systems during the summer months.
Unfortunately, it’s not just energy bills that are creeping up. The cost of groceries, clothing and other items are all increasing, putting a big drain on your finances. If you’re concerned about your finances this winter, you’re not alone – many others will be feeling the pinch.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to help reduce your energy bills this winter. From thinking smarter about your energy use to making sure your heating and cooling systems are working correctly, you could see some big reductions in your bills.
Ways to save money on your energy bills
There are a lot of different ways you can reduce your energy bills. Some things involve heating your home more effectively, while others include developing better habits to help reduce energy waste. Some of the things you can do to save money on energy include:
Turn the lights off when you leave a room
Most people are guilty of leaving a light on when they leave a room, but by making a more conscious effort to turn off the lights, you could make some savings on your energy bill. Encourage other members of your household to do this too, and soon it will become a natural reaction to turn off the light when you leave the room.
Develop better heating habits
Your heating system costs will increase over the winter months, but by using your heating a little less frequently or by turning the thermostat down a couple of degrees, you could make some savings. If there are rooms in your home that are barely used, consider shutting the heating off completely in those spaces to stop energy from being wasted unnecessarily.
Make better use of your windows to cool and heat your home
It’s easy to reach for the air conditioning controls when your home gets too hot, but why not try using your windows more effectively? Keeping windows closed during the day when it’s hot out will help keep your home cooler, ready to be opened in the evening when you really feel the benefit. You may find you need to use your air conditioning a lot less by managing the temperature inside your home more effectively.
In the winter, adding thick drapes and keeping the windows closed can help your home retain heat. This way, when you do use your heating system in your home, you won’t lose heat through drafts and gaps in the windows.
Unplug appliances, don’t just use standby
Even though turning your electronics off is better for energy use than keeping them on, you could save even more by unplugging your devices at the mains instead of using standby. From TVs to phone chargers, making that extra effort to completely power off your devices could help you enjoy further savings on your bills.
Use smart plugs and systems
Smart technology can really transform energy use in your home. Not only does it allow you to dim and control your lights with ease, but it can also help you heat your home more effectively, and ensure everything is powered down when you leave the house. With so many different smart solutions for the home, including lighting and heating systems, you could start saving money just by making your home a little smarter.
Cut down on your shower time
A long, hot shower can feel like an indulgent luxury, but you’ll soon find yourself paying for it on your next bill. Cutting down on your shower time can help save water as well as energy, while having a better impact on the environment than those 10-minute showers. See if you can get it down to 5 minutes and then to 2, it could make a difference to your water and energy bills, and help make you a little more efficient in the mornings too.
The importance of heating and cooling maintenance
One of the most effective ways of reducing the amount of energy you use through heating and cooling is to make sure your systems are working correctly. If your air conditioning or heating system isn’t working properly, it could be wasting energy, while doing a poor job of heating or cooling your home.
It’s important to check your systems regularly for signs of a problem, and to clean your systems regularly too. If it’s been a while since their last use, it’s a good idea to test your HVAC systems out before you really need them, allowing you to see if there are any issues and get them repaired before the cooler/warmer temperatures set in.
A regular health check on your heating and air conditioning systems will help keep your home running smoothly, and could help you keep your energy costs down. These savings are not only beneficial to you, but they could help the environment too.
Book your winter maintenance check now
With winter fast approaching, it’s a good time to get your air conditioning and heating system checked out. At Warren Systems, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of heating and cooling systems, ensuring our customers get the best performance for their homes. With regular checks, you can identify any performance issues at an early stage, which could save you money down the line.
Help your household or business save money this winter by booking a heating and cooling maintenance check. Contact Warren Systems today for your next HVAC maintenance visit.