With energy bills predicted to be high again this winter, Toolstation has compiled an energy-saving guide to help Brits keep costs as low as possible in the coming months.
From quick fixes to effective life hacks, experts across Toolstation – from smart home and insulation to lighting and central heating – have providedfive ways that households can save energy in their homes.
Turn off appliances at the mains
When appliances are plugged in, they consume small amounts of energy even when they’re not in use. This can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and a higher electricity bill.
Most electrical appliances can be safely turned off at the mains without interrupting their programming, such as TVs, games consoles, and small kitchen appliances like kettles and toasters. Plus, this can extend your appliance’s life, meaning less money spent on repairs and replacements.
If you use a lot of appliances regularly, Simon Oram, Smart Home Category Manager at Toolstation, has a hack that can make this process more convenient: “To make life easier, smart plugs automatically turn your devices off standby and can be controlled remotely from your mobile. Alternatively, timer plugs turn your appliances on and off depending on the schedule you set.”
Upgrade your lighting
As the days get shorter and darker, a home’s lighting will be in much more frequent use. Don’t suffer in darkness; there are a few ways to make your lights more energy efficient.
- Switch to LED Bulbs – Simon Oram, Smart Home Category Manager:
“While turning off the lights when you’re leaving the room is a great habit to pick up, it may also be worth switching to LED smart light bulbs around the home. These can connect to a range of smart home providers such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and more.
“Smart LED light bulbs can take the pressure off, so in the event that you forget to flip the switch off on your way out, you can do so from your phone.”
- Invest in solar lights – Sarah Gale, Lighting Category Manager says:
“Solar lighting can be used both indoors and outdoors – so long as they’recharged outside first. Although charging solar lighting is harder during the winter, with less sunlight available, try positioning them in a bright spot with no shadows or a sunny window.
“Outdoor lighting may be the first to go when it comes to energy saving as the home is often the priority. However, rechargeable solar lights can be a great addition to your front or back garden both for ambiance and to light garden paths.”
- Install motion sensors – Rhiannon Moore at Toolstation said:
“Switching to motion sensor lights both inside and outside your home can help you to save energy. Motion sensors are activated by movement and work on a timer, so the lights will switch off automatically when you leave the area.
“They’re a game changer if people in your household frequently forget to switch off the lights.”
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiators is the best way to keep them heating your house efficiently as well as cut back on your bills. Danielle Robinson, Central Heating Category Manager at Toolstation, explains the best way to bleed a radiator:
“Firstly, you’ll want to check that your heating is turned off so that the radiators aren’t too hot to touch.
“Next, you’ll need to locate the radiator bleed valve – usually found on the top corner of the radiator, they look like a round hole with a square inside. Once located, open the valve to release the air, then insert the radiator key and slowly turn it anti-clockwise for around a quarter turn. As the air escapes, you should hear a hissing sound that will stop once the radiator has been fully bled.
“To finish, close the valve and then check your radiator function by switching on your central heating and hot water and waiting for your radiators to heat up.”
Service your boiler regularly
Servicing your boiler is the best way to keep your home functioning during the colder months. Services identify problems like limescale deposits and leaks before they worsen or become costly to repair, helping to prevent heat loss and saving you money in the long run.
Danielle Robinson, Central Heating Category Manager, says: “It may seem like another expense, but it’s recommended to have your boiler serviced by a professional at least once a year – and ideally ahead of winter. Small problems can quickly become big problems and so it’s best to get any potential boiler issues identified as soon as possible.
“A boiler service can check that your boiler is working as efficiently as possible as well as check for any water or gas leaks.”
Put your boiler on a timer
Setting a timer on your boiler will ensure you’re only heating water when you need to. Having hot water 24/7 can add up quickly, so a timer can stop unnecessary energy consumption.
Danielle Robinson, Central Heating Category Manager at Toolstation says:
“It’s unlikely you’ll need your radiators and hot water on constantly – even in the height of winter. If it works with your daily routine, it may be worth setting a timer on your boiler so that it’s only firing up when you’re there to benefit from it.
“For example, if you know you shower morning and night, it could be worth making sure water is only heated for these times. Likewise, if you knowyou’re out of the house for work, it’s worth making sure the heating is just on when you’re up and getting ready in the morning and when you return from work.
“An efficient central heating system in a well-insulated home should keep the heat in for a few hours even once switched off and so it’s worth considering if you need it on for the full evening – or just a few hours may suffice.”
