5 Top Tips to Save Money on Your Energy Bill

The Met Office recently confirmed that summer 2018 was the UK’s joint hottest ever on record (alongside 1976, 2003 and 2006), and the hottest that England has ever experienced. However, now the summer season has drawn to a close and the darker nights start to creep in, there is one question on every homeowner’s lips – when shall we switch the heating on?

The cost of your heating needn’t be something that keeps you awake at night. Mark Roper, CEO of Trusted Energy Solutions based at Sherwood Energy Village explains, “The best way to save energy is not to lose it in the first place. Many of our clients don’t realise the great cost savings they can make by investing in the right energy solutions.” Mark shares his 5 Top Tips for saving money on your energy bill this autumn and winter.

1. Add loft insulation

Ensure your low-cost home insulation measures are up to standard. Adding loft insulation of 270 mm (11 inches) is now recommended. If you are using less than this, then you are essentially throwing your money away.

2. Install a programmable thermostat

You can improve your energy efficiency and home comfort by replacing a simple on/off or dial thermostat with a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat reduces energy usage when you are away at work or sleeping. They can save a homeowner 10-30% on heating bills when used correctly and many of them can be controlled through your smartphone.

3. Use your boiler for hot water

Many people opt to use their electrical immersions for hot water usage rather than using their boilers. This is a mistaken belief that it will save you money! Check the fuel cost rankings at the bottom of this post.*

4. Invest in a heat pump

If you are running a heating system on oil, LPG, solid fuel or electricity and live in a reasonably well insulated home, you might want to consider investing in a heat pump. Government subsidies over 7 years are typically £8,000-£10,000 for an air source heat pump and £14,000-£30,000 for a ground source heat pump.

5. Upgrade your boiler

If your boiler is ageing (15 years +) and requires a lot of servicing, then it might be time to consider an upgrade. You could save 15-20% on your fuel costs just on boiler efficiency – so it’s worth the upgrade.*The price ranking of the main heating systems in kiloWatt hours (kWh) is typically:

1. Heat Pumps:                               4-5 p/kWh
2. Mains Gas Boiler:                       4.5-6 p/kWh
3. Oil Boiler:                                    5.5-6.5  p/kWh
4. LPG Boiler:                                 6-7  p/kWh
5. Solid fuel boiler:                          6.5-7.5 p/kWh
6. Electric boiler / immersion:         13-14 p/kWh

Trusted Energy Solutions has been installing renewable energy and gas heating systems across the East Midlands since 2011, employing 9 members of staff with a turnover of £700,000.

The company prides itself on its professional and quality approach and specialises in domestic, industrial and commercial low carbon heating and power generation, energy efficiency and gas heating systems. We never never sell you something we wouldn’t use ourselves!

If you need expert advice, servicing or maintenance from a trusted installer, simply get in touch with us via our contact form here or call us directly on 01636 555 011 with your enquiry.