by T J Neale

Created on: June 14, 2008   Last Updated: June 27, 2011

For those of us living in colder climates, winter can be expensive as energy bills soar. But most of us can save energy around our homes this winter, without trying too hard. Take a look at your lifestyle and find simple ways to save energy and money in your home.

Look at your home heating. There is almost always some simple and effective way to save energy here.

• Get a modern condensing boiler
• Ensure your boiler / furnace is serviced once a year
• Modernize room heating controls
• Make sure each room can be set to a different temperature.
• Set thermostat as low as is comfortable. Do you need to be wearing only a t-shirt in the dead of winter?
• Do you really need to heat every room in the house?
• Close doors to unused rooms.
• Keep radiators clear. Allow air to flow around them.
• Draw the curtains at dusk.
• Heating to goes off 30 minutes before you leave home, and come on 30 minutes before you return.

Completing these simple jobs will save you energy all year round.

• Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones.
• Ensure hot water tank is well insulated.
• Eliminate drafts from windows and doors.

Get into some good habits to save energy whatever the season.

• Switch off appliances when it is not in use.
• Unplug charging equipment once fully charged.

Take care when cooking.

• Smallest possible saucepan and ring.
• Lids on saucepans.
• Prefer a pressure cooker, a steamer or a microwave to an oven

How are you using your hot water?

• Turn the hot water tank thermostat down to 60 degrees c.
• Minimum amount of water in the kettle as needed.
• Prevent limescale build up.
• Shower not bath.

Good habits concerning the fridge and freezer.

• Fridge door open for minimum time possible.
• Allow food to cool before putting into fridge.
• Defrost fridge regularly.
• Keep appliances in a cool room.
• Fill empty voids with ice.

Good habits concerning the washing machine and dishwasher

• Use a modern, front loading machine.
• Only wash full loads or use a half-load program.
• Always use a low temperature or economy program.

There are no good habits concerning the tumble dryer.

• Use as little as possible.
• Dry clothes outside whenever possible.

It is not too hard to saving energy and money in your home. You can be richer and warmer this winter, just follow the above advice wherever possible.

Remember, "A penny saved is a penny earned."

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