Now that warmer weather is here, saving energy and insulating your home is probably the last thing you’re thinking about. But did you know that making little changes around the house now is a lot cheaper than doing it in winter, and you could save hundreds of pounds a year on your energy bills in the process?
Even better, cutting your energy costs also means cutting carbon emissions, helping you do your bit for the environment as you save. With that in mind, here are a few really great ideas that’ll push energy saving to the top of your agenda this summer.
Have an eco-shower
This isn’t about those gadgets that simply turns off your shower right at the point when you are about to wash off your shampoo – it’s much cleverer than that. The Ecocamel is wallet and environmentally friendly, and it’s really easy to install. You won’t need to change your existing shower as you simply replace the shower head with the Ecocamel and start saving water and money.
It works by sucking air into the water stream and mixing the two together. The mixing process increases the pressure which means you don’t just get a trickle, but a normal stream of water coming from the shower head. Mixing air with the water means that you use up to 45% less water, so you can make significant savings on your bills. According to the manufacturers this can equate to a saving of up to £240 per year on both water and heating, based on a family of four.
We’ve tested this gadget and it comes recommended. Although it doesn’t work quite as well on a full-blast power shower, the Ecocamel is well worth investing in as it works like a treat on a normal shower.
Sounds like this is one shower you really want to take! You can find out more about the Ecocamel and purchase one, on their website here.
Monitor your energy usage
We’re constantly told that we waste energy in our homes and we could save thousands of tonnes of carbon, and loads of money if we were more careful. Trouble is, if it isn’t in figures we can picture, it doesn’t really sink in. That’s why an energy monitor is a brilliant idea.
These clever little gadgets tell you in real time, exactly how much energy you’re using. More importantly they also calculate how much money that energy usage is costing you – also in real time. Be prepared for a shock if you leave the TV on standby overnight!
An energy monitor will really make you think about your energy usage, and they store data over long periods of time, which means you can see how much progress you’re making with cutting your usage and saving money. At an average running cost of 2.5p a week an energy monitor is highly cost effective.
There is a variety of energy monitors available to buy, from specialists like Current Cost and from energy companies directly. Prices start from around £20.00 and we at Moneymagpie think it’s a worthwhile investment. Find out more about an energy monitor on the Current Cost website.
Shop now, save later
Although you may not be thinking about turning on the heating yet, the summer months are the perfect time to shop around for the best energy deal to keep you warm for less this winter.
With increases in wholesale electricity and gas prices, customers can expect bills to rise in the colder months. Energy companies are already beginning to withdraw the best special offers and replacing them with variable rate tariffs, which could lead to unexpectedly high bills for many households.
If you want to protect yourself from rising prices, now is the time to take out a fixed rate deal. There are still some good value fixed rate tariffs available if you’re prepared to take some time to do your research – using a price comparison site can help you find the best deal for your energy needs. Remember that there are often discounts available if you manage your account online, or if you’re willing to pay by direct debit, so if you’re web savvy you could save even more.
As well as changing your tariff, switching your energy supplier is a great way to save money too. It’s quick and easy to switch supplier, so start saving yourself money right now and let our friends at Energyhelpline find you the cheapest deal here.
Additionally, if you’re looking to make energy saving improvements to your home, such as installing a new boiler or improving loft and cavity wall insulation, it’s worth checking to see if you can apply for a grant to cover the cost. Local authorities and energy companies offer grants and awards if you’re on a low or fixed income, or if you meet other eligibility criteria based on factors such as age.
The Energy Saving Trust has a database where you can check if you’re eligible. It’s worth doing, as insulating your loft can save you around £150 a year if you currently only have minimum insulation, and a new energy efficient boiler could save over £200 annually.
For more energy saving ideas, we’ve got loads of other easy ways to cut your heating bills here. You can tell us about your energy saving tips on the MoneyTalk Forum, too.
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