LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 03/16/12 — Several energy providers have announced plans to cut power prices over the next few months to take the financial pressure off homeowners.
The reports of a reduction in the cost of energy will be a boost to people who have had to watch their outgoings following the festive period and those householders worrying about turning up their thermostats to keep properties warm and cosy during the forthcoming wintery weather.
However instead of just taking advantage of this fall in electricity prices, you may like to go a few steps further in order to gain as much benefit as possible from the decrease in costs.
Keep the heat in
By making sure your home can retain as much warmth as possible, means you are less likely to have to turn up the thermostat. Adequate insulation is vitally important to keep the heat in your property and areas to focus on include flooring, walls and lofts. Just covering loft areas with lagging can save you GBP 128 per year, according to uSwitch. Draughty windows and doors frames ought to be sealed to prevent heat loss.
Pipes may become a danger area when it comes to below-freezing temperatures. However insulation can reduce the chance of burst pipes, while also reducing the amount of heat leaked from hot water before it reaches radiators and showers. Boiler jackets provide good insulation and usually includes servicing the appliances to keep them working well whatever the weather.
Get empowered
Installing renewable energy devices could help to reduce your utility bills further. Wind turbines and solar-powered panels can be connected to your domestic power system so they contribute towards the energy used in your home.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change estimates that electricity bills may be reduced by GBP 250 per year for householders who install solar powered panels. However, if you prefer to use water or gas produced from other special systems, rather than sunlight or wind, then hydropower and anaerobic digesters may suit you better. As well as providing you with free power, these kinds of renewables have also been targeted by a government scheme that pays consumers for the energy generated by the green devices/systems.
Know yourself
Getting to know you and your family–s routine is another way to save money. For example, if there–s a time when your property is empty then schedule thermostats so they are off. Ensure heating is on for a short time before returning to your home and off shortly before leaving to narrow the length of time radiators are working. Smart Meters and monitors display readings that indicate when the busiest time of day is in terms of your energy usage. This will draw attention to times when you may like to adjust your routines and use fewer appliances during busy periods.
Contacts:
Felicity Callaghan
+44 (0)7769 542 360