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Winter is sometimes the most expensive time of the year for households, with power often being one of the biggest items on the household budget, but there are ways to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Energy company Meridian highlights a range of simple but effective tips that can make a significant difference to household bills.
It suggests starting with water heating, which accounts for around 30 per cent of the average bill.
For example, replacing a standard showerhead with a more efficient model can help reduce both water and energy consumption. In addition, fixing dripping taps is essential to avoid unnecessary water waste.
Behavioural changes also play a key role. Keeping showers to no more than three-and-a-half minutes and washing clothes in cold water can considerably reduce energy use by up to 10 times compared to hot washes.
Heating is another major area where households can cut costs. Simple insulation measures such as using draught-sealing tape can help prevent cold air entering when windows and doors do not fit properly.
Even in homes with older aluminium window frames, replacing worn rubber seals can significantly improve efficiency. Likewise, practical household tricks such as hanging a blanket behind curtains or placing a rolled towel along the top of a curtain rail can help retain heat and reduce heat loss.
A significant amount of wasted energy comes from poor control of electrical devices.
Timers offer a cost-effective solution, ensuring appliances are only in use when needed. Pathway and security lights, for instance, are useful at night, but do not need to remain on during daylight hours.
Continuing with lighting, efficiency is another important factor. LED bulbs, which last between 10 to 20 years, use up to 85 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
In addition, developing the simple habit of switching off lights when leaving a room can further reduce unnecessary consumption.
The way indoor spaces are heated can also make a difference. Heat pumps are generally the most efficient option for larger areas, while portable electric heaters are better suited to smaller rooms and offices.
Whatever the system used, rooms can be pre-heated efficiently without exceeding 21 degrees, the recommended temperature for maintaining a warm, dry home while keeping energy use under control.
