Blog updated in January 2024.

Energy Savers Week, which takes place between the 15th and 21st January 2024, is run by the Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust.  The week is designed to shine a spotlight on the importance of saving energy, and they have shared top five winter warmer tips to help consumers stay warm and save energy.

In support of Energy Savers Week, Dyson Energy Services offer tips in this blog, on reducing your energy bills and advice on the support available for those who may need extra help this winter.

1. Minimise heat loss

We fully understand just how frustrating those ever-increasing energy bills can be, but there are things we can all do to save money on our energy bills. One of which, is thinking about the fabric of our home and reducing the heat loss.

According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), around one-third of the heat loss from most homes is through the walls and a quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home.

The heat will always flow from a warm area to a colder one, so consequently, during the winter months, the colder it is outside, the quicker the heat will escape.

There are several home insulation grants available in 2024 and eligibility varies.  You may be eligible for instance, if your home is in Council Tax Band A to D, or if your home has a poor Energy Performance rating.  Check out the insulation grants and funding available in 2024.

2. Heating doesn’t have to be costly

Your boiler can account for around 55% of the amount you spend on your annual energy bills, so an A-rated energy efficient boiler really does make economic sense. According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), you could save up to £385* a year on your energy bills.

If you already have an energy-efficient A-rated boiler, ensure you use your programmer and thermostat to control your heating and the temperature of your home. With most people spending a lot more time at home, it makes sense to think about the times you program your heating to come on. Turning the temperature down slightly can save both energy and money.

3. Energy-efficient light bulbs

Winter brings about shorter daylight hours and the increase in switching our lighting on in our homes. Additionally, a lot of us are spending more time at home and we may feel a little worried about what our energy bill is going to be at the end of the month.

According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), you can save up to £3 per year for every traditional halogen bulb you switch to a bright LED bulbs.

You may be eligible for help

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £150 off your electricity bill under the government Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.

You may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount Scheme, if you are in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or you are on a low income.

Visit the Government website which has all the details on the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Winter Fuel Payment

Find out about if you are eligible for the government Winter Fuel Payment.  If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

Contact your Local Authority

The government set up a fund, which Local Authorities have access to, known as the Housing Support Fund.  This fund aims to help those within the local borough that need support with living costs, including help with energy bills.  Therefore, if you are struggling this winter, it may be worthwhile contacting your local council to find out if you are eligible for any additional support.

Speak with your energy supplier

If you are struggling to cope with your rising energy bills, speak with your energy supplier.  There are a number of energy suppliers who offer grants and schemes.

 

 

*According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).  These are estimated figures based on installing a new A-rated condensing boiler with a programmer, thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls in a gas heated semi-detached home.  Based on fuel prices as of October 2023.