In the wake of skyrocketing bills and the bitter cold snap that has recently gripped much of the UK, this year’s Energy Savers Week arrives at a very apt time.
More than ever, homeowners are looking for different ways to cut down on their utility bills, and qualified tradespeople are frequently being called on to share energy efficiency expertise with customers.
Energy Savers Week sees the Energy Saving Trust partner with Citizens Advice to raise public awareness and share helpful advice about saving money on your energy use. They've shared five energy-saving tips in a daily checklist as part of their latest campaign.
Coinciding with this, we’ve rounded up some basic but incredibly helpful energy-saving tips tradespeople can share with their customers.
Understand your thermostat
Knowing how to properly set a thermostat can go a long way in preventing energy waste.
Schedule your thermostat to kick in around your daily schedule. For example, you might want your heating to come on 30 minutes before you get out of bed, but to then switch off once you’ve left the home.
Smart thermostats can be a worthwhile consideration, with manufacturers claiming that these can save up to £311 per year.
Don’t underestimate insulation
While insulation may seem like a basic suggestion, its impact can be massive and potentially save homeowners hundreds of pounds every year.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, around one-third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home is done so through the walls, meaning wall insulation can lead to savings of £255 every year.
Similarly, installing loft insulation in a semi-detached home can save £270 annually, while insulating underneath floorboards can save around £70.
Homeowners may also be eligible for free or cheaper insulation through government grant schemes. Eligibility can be checked here.
Use LED light bulbs
As well as having a longer lifespan and therefore reducing waste, LED light bulbs can use up to 90% less energy than conventional halogen bulbs.
Compare energy suppliers
Keeping tabs on which suppliers are offering the best rates can be a quick and free way of making sure you’re not overpaying on your energy bills.
Handy comparison sites like Compare the Market and Uswitch mean this process is nice and easy these days, doing the leg work for you and compiling all the latest deals to choose from.
Explore sustainable alternatives
We’re slowly beginning to see the growing adoption of alternative heating and energy supplies. Heat pumps have emerged as one of the most common alternatives to gas boilers, and can save a typical gas household around £234 per year.
Again, it’s worth reminding homeowners that the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme means they could claim up to £7,500 towards replacing a boiler with an air or ground source heat pump, or £5,000 towards a biomass boiler.
Don’t ignore leaky taps
While dripping taps may only seem like a minor annoyance, if left unattended they can quickly mount into a sizable expense, potentially adding an extra £100 per year onto your water bill.
Other simple switches
A few other basic changes can combine to make a big difference:
- Rearrange furniture so radiators aren’t blocked
- Close curtains in the evening and use self-adhesive foam to block drafts
- Bleed your radiators
- Use underlay when fitting carpets
- Keep your appliances serviced to ensure they’re running safely and efficiently
As experts in the field, the knowledge of qualified tradespeople can be priceless to homeowners. Taking the time to brush up on green technology trends is not just a great way to help your customers, but could also be a way of future-proofing your services and standing out amongst your competition.