UK households could experience blackouts this winter if people don't act fast to cut their energy usage, Martin Lewis has warned. Speaking on his popular ITV1 Martin Lewis Money Show Live on Tuesday night, the finance guru claimed action needs to be taken right now has the temperature starts to drop.
He issued a nine-point plan to help people cut down their energy and gas consumption. It comes after prices have risen by 96% since last winter and are due to rise another 48% in April.
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Martin told viewers: "Make your house as energy efficient as you possibly can. It's good for your pocket. Good for the environment and good for energy security which is at risk this winter. We do not want power cuts so this is a social responsibility."
The expert then relayed his 'Get your house in order' checklist which included several things to check to help avoid blackouts, YorkshireLive reports.
'Boiler no brainer'
Martin said: "Take my one degree challenge. The World Health Organisation says 18C is fine for healthy adults. Younger, older or ill you might need more.
"It's not for me to tell you what to do but I'd like you to try reducing one degree. Say you're at 21C, try reducing to 20C. That could save you around 10% on your heating bill.
"If your heating is only kicking in at 15C and you’re heating to 21, only heating to 20C is actually a significant saving. Don't think 0 to 20 think 15 to 20."
He added that people should avoid turning the thermostat up when they get cold. He said: "Now look, your thermostat will get you up to the temperature you want. This is a panic reaction, I'm cold I'm going to put it up more. The thermostat dictates what the temperature is, don't turn it up just wait for it to get to the heat and then you won't need to pay too much more."
Next, Martin urged people to look up MoneySavingBoilerChallenge.com. He said: "Nothing to do with me, this is a website that takes you through, if you've got a combi boiler, and the vast majority of you do, how to turn down the flow rate.
"You'd normally want it to be around 60C, but most people's boilers are set higher, that's really inefficient, you can turn this down, it won't affect the heat of your house it'll still be the same temperature, it won't affect your hot water temperature. It might take slightly longer to get up to the maximum temperature. But it can cut £100 a year off your bill, it's well worth everyone doing. This is an absolute no brainer, everyone with a combi boiler should be trying this one."
Avoid tumble dryers
Tumble dryers are expensive and use a lot of power Martin said. They cost as much as £1 per use, so avoiding using them where possible would help make big savings.
Fit a free water savings shower head
You can get one for free on SaveWaterSaveMoney.co.uk as there are 900,000 being given away for nothing. It works by adding air to the mix of the water, meaning it spaces out the amount of water being used. It saves cash as less water needs to be heated.
Put foil behind radiators
Roll out foil and stick it behind the radiator with blu tack or sellotape. It works by reflecting the heat back into the room, reducing the rate of heat loss.
Set fridge temperatures
Make sure your fridge isn't lower than 5C. Your freezer shouldn't be lower than -18C.
Check your TV energy setting
Your TV may have an eco setting or standby settings you can change to make it use less energy
Use tactical curtains
Open the curtains during sunshine and let that heat in. Close them at night and keep the heat inside. Felt lined curtains work even better. Cling film on windows can also save you money.
Turn down radiators
Martin Lewis recommended turning down individual radiator thermostatic controls can help save money.
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