The government has launched a new £18m campaign over the weekend to provide advice to Brits on how to cut their energy bills by as much as £350.
Households are being advised to plug gaps in doors and windows to reduce stress on boilers while also being urged to change their boiler temperatures and ensure that any devices not being used are switched off at the wall. the multimillion-pound public information campaign is advised as offering tips on "simple, low or no-cost actions" that can create "big savings".
The 'It All Adds Up' initiative was launched today (December 17) to help raise awareness on simple and "straightforward" measures people can take in order to cur their bills over the winter period. Ministers claim these tips could save around £170 combined each year for the average households, Hull Live reports.
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Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said: “No-one is immune to rising energy bills this winter, so it’s in everyone’s interest to use every trick in the book to use less energy while keeping homes warm and staying safe.
“For very little or no cost, you can save pounds. It all adds up, so I urge people to take note of the advice in this new campaign and follow the easy steps to cut your fuel bills.”
Some of the government advice includes households reducing their boiler flow temperature from 75C to 60C, turning off appliances at the plug, and adding clear films across windows - potentially saving a further £60 annually. All of the advice included could cut bills by around £350.
Here's a breakdown of the some of the advice being provided by the new campaign.
Reducing combi boiler flow temperature down to 60C
Flow temperature refers to the temperature of the water that your boiler sends to radiators. Reducing the temperature is different from lowering the thermostat and will not result in any noticeable changes in your home.
If you're over 65, or have any pre-existing health conditions, then it is advised to set the flow temperature to slightly over 65C to ensure your home warms up quickly enough.
Turning down radiators in rooms that aren't being used
When a room is not being used, turning your radiator valves down to between 2.5 and 3 (roughly 18C) may be a good idea. When you do use the room, you can increase the temperature to a comfortable level by turning the valve up.
However, you shouldn't completely turn off radiators in rooms that aren't being used because your boiler will have to work harder in order to increase the temperature again. People over 65, children under 5, and those with pre-existing health conditions should ensure they are warm enough and have a minimum indoor temperature of 18C.
Turning off appliances at the socket
Power-hungry devises such as computers, televisions, smart devices, and video game consoles often consumer energy while plugged into the wall and not beign used. By turning them off at the plug, you can ensure they aren't taking any electricity on standby.
Washing clothes at a lower temperature
Modern washing machines are capable of effectively washing clothes at lower temperatures. By changing from 40C to 30C, you could get 3 cycles instead of 2 for the same amount of energy.
Using the tumble dryer less
Tumble dryers are the culprit of being one of the most energy-hungry devices in a home. To save electricity, only use it when you have a full load - around three-quarters of the drum.
Otherwise, you could use a clothes airer to dry clothes outside, or inside with a window open for ventilation.
Closing all your curtains and blinds at night
Closing curtains and blinds can help prevent any warm air from escaping through windows and reduce heating costs.
Tracking energy usage on your phone
If you have a smart meter installed in your home, then apps such as Utrack can help keep tabs on your energy usage. This information can help you find the best ways to reduce usage throughout any given day.
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