Posted: Friday, November 4, 2022

Top Tips to Save Energy This Season

December is arguably the most expensive month of the year, and as it approaches, many people will be looking for ways to cut down on costs and free up some room for their gift budgets. With the cost-of-living crisis looming over Britain, homeowners are quickly becoming more aware of ways to cut down on their energy usage, here are our top tips: 

 

Get a smart meter installed

Now is the time to get your energy meters updated. If you haven't got around to it yet, there’s no problem. It won’t cost you a thing to have smart meters installed – and it will give you useful information about the energy you use every day and how you can efficiently start saving energy around your home.  

Top up the insulation

Insulation will help you keep the desired temperature in your house all year round, protecting it against cold in winter and excess heat in summer. A well-insulated house is very energy efficient and will need very little additional heating and cooling.

Switch off standby 

Phantom electricity is the power that is consumed by your electronic appliances and devices when they are either on standby mode or entirely turned off, but still plugged in. Phantom power, also known as vampire power or idle current, is estimated to account for almost a quarter of a homeowner’s total energy bill. Unplugging your devices at night or whenever you’re finished using them is a great step towards cutting down your energy bill. 

Avoid the tumble dryer 

If you already have the heating on, you can probably avoid the tumble dryer by hanging your clothes up on an indoor rack instead. If you do need to use the tumble dryer, set it to the most efficient setting, throw in a dry towel to help speed up the drying process and check your clothes until they dry to avoid the cycle going on longer than necessary.  

Draught-proof windows and doors 

Unless you’re living in a brand-new home, you will most likely lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor or through the chimney. Professional draught-proofing is fairly affordable and will certainly save you money in the long run, however DIY draught proofing can also be very effective if done properly. 

Turn your thermostat down 

It’s tempting to turn up the thermostat as the weather cools down but one of the best ways to help save energy, money and the environment during the colder months is to dial down the temperature of your home by 1 or 2 degrees. You might not think such a small amount would make a difference, but lowering the thermostat can save you 10% on your heating bill.

Turn off lights 

This might be a given, but as the holiday season rolls around, you could end up spending more on electricity bills than anything else. Remember to switch off those twinkling Christmas lights whenever no one’s around to see them, and you will thank yourself come January. 

Swap your bath for a shower 

It can be tempting after a long day out in the cold to come home to a hot bath, but this can quickly turn into a regular habit over winter, and your water bill will reflect this. Try to keep baths to a minimum and opt for a quick shower instead.  

Be energy aware in the kitchen 

Kettles are high on the list of most used appliances in the kitchen, and many of us are guilty of boiling the kettle with more water than we need. By not overfilling the kettle each time you use it, you’ll save on electricity and water. You could also consider fitting an aerator onto your kitchen tap to reduce the volume of water coming out, without having an impact on how it washes or rinses. These are cheap and easy to install, and you won’t notice they’re there. 

Fill up the dishwasher 

Make sure the dishwasher is completely full before letting it run. This tactic could save you more water than washing the dishes from the sink, as you will need to do it less frequently and the dishwasher will be able to use the water efficiently. 

Contact us 

Are you looking for your dream home this season? Here at The Guild, we specialise in finding them. Contact your local Guild Member today to start your search.

Looking to buy?

Looking to buy?

We'd love to help you on your journey home.
Don't miss out on on the latest properties by registering for our property alerts.

Register with us today

Read What Our
Customers Say

I can't speak more highly of the team at Homesearch. When I met Michael to discuss the sale of my home instantly from that meeting, I could tell how knowledgeable they were. From that moment until closing, everything went absolutely flawless. This experience of selling went without a hitch with them giving great tips on preparing my home for viewings. Thank you. I really appreciate all your help during this process. I highly recommend Homesearch to any person who is looking to sell their home or buy a new home.

Loretta Barrett, Seller

I started with two very well known real estates, but I hated it. I was simply another number to them and I didn't feel they were honest and transparent. With HomeSearch I felt comfortable that they were on my side and they were always available to help. The process is hard enough, so having a team who supports you can make such a difference. Highly recommend.

Arian Barvarz, Seller

The reason we chose Homesearch to sell our property was that we liked the straightforward, no-nonsense approach of both Anna and Michael. They gave an honest appraisal of our property and a clear idea of what we could expect to sell it for. In fact, the offer we accepted exceeded our expectations. The sale took longer than we would have liked, due to delays caused by the buyers' solicitor, but Michael was tenacious and must have worn his phone out keeping everyone informed of progress.

Nicola Watson, Seller

Homesearch are hands down the best agent I have ever worked with ! The team helped me in an extremely complex sale. Without the knowledge and experience of the whole team, my sale would not have completed. I dont normally write reviews, only when they are truly deserved. An exceptional team! Very kind and personable, reliable & trustworthy.

Leslie John, Seller

My experience with Homesearch is that they are professional, friendly and go above and beyond to ensure that something stressful like selling a house runs as smoothly and stress free as possible. They work hard to get the results and have kept me updated throughout the process. I honestly could not recommend them enough, they are easily the best company I’ve dealt with in the buying/selling houses field. And to top it all off, they always answer the phone in the most pleasant tone and always provide service with a smile.

Chanelle Hunte, Seller

Homesearch are PROFESSIONALS. I sold my property through Homesearch and I have not dealt with a more competent agency. Every single person  dealt with knew exactly what they were talking about and I can tell that they all have knowledge in the industry and were not just picked up from the street. From the get go I was impressed and I will certainly do business with them again.

Paul Hobbs, Seller

Many thanks Homesearch for locating professional corporate tenants for my property. I am very happy with your property management service as you always ensure that the tenants give the property back in good order at check out. Five Stars!

Maria Foran, Landlord

I have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional service I have received from Homesearch. They have removed all the stress & hassle of renting my property and dealt with all manner of situations I would have struggled with in such a professional & courteous manner. They give valuable unbiased advice with such a wealth of experience. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly & helpful. Homesearch let and managed my property and I am very happy with their property management services, they are very knowledgeable.

Paula Carter, Landlord

Homesearch always do what they say they will do. They are efficient and raise any issues early and provide options to resolve them. Homesearch is very  easy to get hold of and talk to, no matter where I am in the world! My property is well looked after, regarding tradesmen, replacement of items swiftly etc. with the minimum of fuss.

David Connells, Landlord

From our first viewing right through to the present, Home Search were brilliant. They helped make the whole process quick and stress free and even now we are in and settled, they are still happy to assist us with any queries we may have. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Julie Maney

Home Search helped us move into our new flat smoothly and Tim was always happy to provide help to put our nerves at ease. Arranging a viewing was easy and Home Search were happy to open after hours for us to sign the paperwork. They were very helpful and often would offer to help! Having moved in we received a lovely card and they have always been swift in communicating with Usif we have any questions. Would recommend it.

Will Houghton

Michael and his team were simply amazing!! They helped us to find the perfect house, offering a nice and attentive service from the beginning through to the end. Thank you so much!! 5 stars service. Highly recommended!!!

Giordana Sicali

Very helpful and friendly staff. Tim, Michael and the team Made the whole renting experience easier.

Amol Sinare

I had a very difficult situation as I did not have a guarantor and my dad was earning enough but was not a homeowner. It took a about 3 weeks but Michael sorted it all out in the end and my dad became my guarantor. I got a lovely home and all the staff were very helpful including Paris, Zainab and Tim. Thank you all very much! Would recommend them to anyone

Misti Chakraborty

On behalf of myself, Noa & Niamh, we would like to start off by saying a massive thank you for the amazing service Home Search Ltd provided us with, especially highlighting the work of Clorissa. Within a week we were able to sign, seal and move into the property that we looked at, all down to Clorissa's prompt and effective work ethic, which allowed us a smooth transition from one property to another, without her, this move would not of been possible to have happened within the time stamp that it did. We are very grateful for the work that was done by Home Search Ltd, highly recommend.

Lewis Francis
How Much is Your Property Worth?

Expert Valuation

We always come armed with evidence and statistics of why we are pricing your property a certain way. We know the importance of getting the initial price of your property right, first time. With our extensive experience we will also explain current market conditions as we want to get our sellers the best price.

What's more, get a free gift with your free expert valuation with one of our experienced Valuer's.

Book a Valuation