From the 1st of April 2022, and for various reasons the cost of gas and electricity used around the property in which you currently live will increase dramatically.
This has nothing to do with your landlord nor your letting agent and as such, they cannot change the amount that you are charged as the prices are set by the utility companies. This is something that only those living in your property are responsible for.
These price rises are affecting all domestic utility bills around the UK, however as responsible letting agents, we would like to offer you a few ideas which will help reduce overall consumption of energy and can help to reduce your bills.
Please remember that you may wish to change your energy supplier and as the bill payer, you are free to do this at any time (HMO properties may be exempt from this if bills are included). Please feel free to check with energy comparison websites.
In the meantime, please see our ‘Top Tips’ for energy saving…
- Be aware of your usage: Knowing where you use the most energy in your home is essential to lowering your electricity bills. The SaveOnEnergy use calculator can help you figure out where you use the most electricity and how to reduce it.
- Time your temperature by saving on heating bills: Reduce your thermostat by one degree — you’ll save roughly 10% on your energy bill and the temperature difference will be scarcely noticeable. If you have furniture in front of your radiators, relocate it since it will block and absorb heat. Close the doors and turn down the temperature control valves on your radiators in rooms you don’t use regularly. Turn off the heat at night and while the house is vacant. Reduce your hot water consumption by shaving off a few minutes from your shower time each day. If you have access to your water heater, lowering the temperature can help you save a lot of money on your heating bills.
- Layer up: It’s a no-brainer, but it works. You won’t be tempted to turn up the heat as quickly if you wear socks and slippers throughout the house or put on an extra sweater.
- Harness extra heat: When it’s warm outside, open the curtains on a sunny day, but remember to close them when it gets cooler or the sunsets. Also, why not leave the oven door open after you’ve used it? The oven may produce enough heat to allow you to alter your thermostat, which is a far better use of that excess heat than removing it with a fan.
- Be wise with washing: Make sure your washing machine or dryer is in good working order. Filters can become clogged with fluff, making your machine work harder, so clean them regularly. Dryers consume a lot of energy, so try to use yours only when essential and dry your clothes outside if possible. Instead of drying clothes on radiators, use a clothes horse and open a window. Use your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher just when they’re full; half-loads waste more water and power. Instead of 40°F, wash your items at 30°F. Make use of your washer. Use your washing machine and dishwasher’s ‘eco’ setting if they have one
- Say no to standby, always remember to turn off: Devices and equipment that devour electricity even when they are not in use are known as energy suckers. Items like TVs, phone chargers, toasters, and game consoles that you might leave plugged in when not in use should be avoided. This problem can be solved by simply unplugging these devices, but you can also utilise an extension to turn everything off at once.
- Be clever with cooking: Consider making numerous meals at once instead of a single quantity of food per night. Some of these can be frozen, while others can be kept in the fridge. Cooking as a group saves time and energy if you live with others. We strongly advise you to use a slow cooker if you haven’t already. Larger slow cookers can contain enough food for multiple servings and are also less expensive to operate than ovens.
- Efficient lighting: Another area where you can conserve energy and money without compromising anything is lighting. Replace any inefficient light bulbs with LED bulbs that are more energy efficient. Don’t leave lights on in areas you’re not in, and only turn them on in hallways when you’re moving. Allow as much natural light as possible into your residence.
- Communicate with your letting agent: Notify your agent right away if you notice any leaky taps, toilets, or malfunctioning appliances. Appliances that aren’t working properly waste energy and can raise your energy bill.
Hope the tips help!
Kind regards,
The Pebble Mountain Properties Team