Energy Efficient Tips: Save Money on Winter Utility Bills

Energy Efficient Tips: Save Money on Winter Utility Bills: Energy efficiency is something more and more of us are thinking about these days as we make an effort to change the impacts of global warming. While it can take some careful planning on your part, Better Homes & Garden points out that it is possible to make some changes to your home in order to reduce energy waste. It’s important to think about how best to get started; for those who live in larger homes that consume more energy, a large-scale solution may be required, such as solar panels. Smaller homes might benefit from small changes, such as energy-saving light bulbs.

Fortunately, there are many different things you can do to change the way your home consumes electricity, so it’s possible to customize them to your specific needs. Not only that, but doing so will also help you save money over the course of the year, especially during the summer and winter when energy use tends to be at its peak.

Keep reading for some wonderful tips from British Utilities on how to save money on your utility bills and make positive changes for the Earth at the same time.

Photo via Pixabay by Leemelina08

Change Your Bulbs

Nowadays, there are plenty of options when it comes to light bulbs, and advances in technology have made it possible to find one that lasts for several years, making them cost efficient as well as energy-efficient. Look for LED bulbs for your bathroom and kitchen — the rooms which tend to not have much natural light — and open up the curtains as much as possible in the other rooms to take advantage of the sun’s energy.

Update Your Boiler

If your boiler is more than 20 years old, it may be time to think about updating it. The older units like these are, the less efficient they are, which can increase up your heating bills during the wintertime. If you need to replace a boiler, this work can also costly. A pro can help you choose an option that’s cost-effective. And good news: some home improvements also raise the appraisal value of your home, making them great long term investments.

Seal Up Your Doors and Windows

The doors and windows around your home could be leaking air, which will quickly drive up your energy bills at the same time. Using caulk to seal up the cracks will go a long way toward helping you keep the warm air in, where it belongs, and you can also use weather stripping to keep the seals tight. If your home is on the older side, upgrading your windows is also an option; you might even qualify for a grant to help pay for it.

Renters might feel like their hands are tied to some extent, but with things like making permanent upgrades, it can be worthwhile discussing the situation with your landlord. If you make the approach and are turned down flat, you can always consider transitioning to a rental that is more efficient.

Making energy-efficient changes to your home can take time and money, but with a careful plan, you can keep it as budget-friendly as possible. Do some research and shop around for the best deals, and remember to hire a pro for the big jobs.

Whether you’re a home or business customer, you’ll be able to find everything you need to fulfill your gas, electricity or water needs with British Utilities. Let us know how we can serve you!

Energy Efficient Tips: Save Money on Winter Utility Bills