With January weather still keeping Merseyside homes flicking their heating on regularly, many will wondering how they can keep their 2024 finances in check without going cold.
Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce your energy bill and these seven simple tasks could end up cutting around £700 a year from your hefty bill.
Kitchen and heating experts at Plumbworld have compiled a list of New Year resolutions people can act on around their homes. Not only do they promise to save money in the short term but also contribute to the efficiency of your home's systems, potentially saving thousands in the long run.
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Regular maintenance of your Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning [HVAC] system can improve efficiency by up to 15% according to some HVAC professionals. If the average annual heating bill is around £1,200, a 15% reduction can be a significant sum of £180 over the year.
Just as lucrative, saving £180 on average a year, a well-maintained boiler can operate up to 15% more efficiently than a neglected one. If your annual heating cost is £1,200, proper maintenance can yield significant savings.
Another three-figure saving can come from simply sealing off any drafty spots. Draft-proofing can save around 10% on your energy bills so, for an average home where heating costs can be around £1,200 per year, you'd save roughly £120 a year.
Some other small saving measures that really add up include things you'd often not think about but simple checks can end up saving you pounds. Insulating your pipes can reduce heat loss, leading to less energy needed to heat water. It's estimated that insulating pipes can lead to a 4% reduction in heating bills roughly, working out at almost £50 over the year.
Believe it or not, cleaning out your gutters can go some way to cutting your heating bill – but it takes a bit of time before those pounds are shaved off your bill. Experts claim that preventing structural damage and water infiltration can save on repair costs and, with the average repair cost from water damage standing at around £500, preventing this even every few years can be significant.
Some much simpler things you can do with ease, and see swift results, include making sure your radiators are bled and the water heater temperature is set to a cost-effective level. Bleeding radiators can increase their efficiency by up to 5% which, using typical heating bills of £1,200, can cut around £60 off your end of year bill. Likewise, dropping the water heater by 10 degrees can save roughly the same amount in energy costs over the year, saving £20 off.
Implementing these energy-saving measures could save you £708 per year on your heating and water heating bills, according to a spokesperson for Plumbworld who commented: "As we step into 2024, it's clear that smart home improvements are more than just good habits; they're investments in your future comfort and current wallet. Simple actions like a quick radiator bleed or a small adjustment to your water heater temperature can make a noticeable difference.
"We know that every penny counts, and we're here to help you understand how these changes can benefit you practically and financially. Our guide is designed to break down each resolution into achievable steps, making it easier for you to start.
"Try out one or two changes to begin with, and you'll likely see a difference. It's all about making your home work better for you, without needing to be a DIY expert.
"Think of these steps as the start of a journey towards a more efficient home. As you see your bills decrease, you'll feel the satisfaction of knowing you're not just saving money but also creating a more comfortable living environment. So, take it one step at a time, and let's make 2024 a year of smart, rewarding home improvements."
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