Receiving your energy bill is something everyone dreads at this time of the year, after every household has spent the past few weeks cranking up the thermostats in a bid to battle the cold winter weather. Costs have soared after a freezing cold winter, and the low temperatures look set to stay for the next few weeks. To avoid an eye-watering energy bill, there are simple tricks and changes to make around the house that could save you a lot of money. Phil Spencer, 49, has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to share his top tips with the nation, advising how households can become more energy efficient.
Here are Phil Spencer’s top tips that could save you hundreds:
Tin foil behind the radiator
Phil told Express.co.uk: “A nifty tip is putting sheets of tin foil down the back of your radiator – this helps to reflect the heat back into the room, keeping you warm and toasty.”
Fill the fridge with bottled water
While this piece of advice may sound strange at first, it’s actually more energy efficient if your fridge is kept fully stocked.
The Location, Location, Location host explained: “If your supplies are running a bit low before the weekly food shop, use bottles of tap water to keep the fridge full as it takes up far less energy to keep a full fridge cool than an empty one.”
Use energy saving light bulbs
Using energy saving light bulbs may sound like an obvious piece of advice, but the simple switch can save you hundreds.
“Replace regular light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs – it’s simple but effective. Over an energy saving LED lightbulb’s lifetime, it could cut up to £240 from your energy bills.”
Put rugs on hard flooring
Phil advised: “Consider putting down rugs in rooms that aren’t carpeted. Not only does this insulate the room, but it also prevents noise from travelling – great for when you want a lie in or to watch a film in peace.”
Open the oven door after cooking
The energy saving expert recommended: “A nifty tip for after you’ve finished cooking or baking is to open the oven door and allow it to add some warmth to your kitchen.”
Update your shower head
Taking a long shower can be a treat on those cold mornings, but the morning ritual is using more energy than you might think.
Phil added: “Having a long hot shower is always tempting on a cold winter night, but modern high-power showers can actually use as much water in five minutes as it takes to fill a bath.
“Consider installing an energy efficient shower head to save on both your water and heating bill.”
Buy cotton bedding
“You can make your bed even cosier simply by choosing the right material for your sheets – swapping cotton for flannel can add some extra heat on those cold winter nights.”
Use a smart meter
Phil advised: “Use a smart meter to monitor how much energy you’re using – because if you’re generally in control of what you’re spending on energy, then you can feel guilt-free when you turn the thermostat up a degree or two for a cosy night in.”