Homes & Gardens Turn common


sense into cash So the partying is over. There are a few last fivers in your bank account. Months of cold and darkness lie ahead. It’s nature’s way, perhaps, of telling you to take stock of how you power your home…


E


nergy experts are confident that relatively minor changes in our everyday lives can have a major impact on bills and the environment… without necessarily costing the earth.


Devices


Energy-saving light bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than standard bulbs and last around ten times longer. Over their lifetime, these could save £590 on energy bills and bulb costs, while reducing CO2 by three tonnes, says OVO Energy. Radiator boosters and radiator foil throw heat from the back of the appliances into the room, making central heating more efficient. And turning thermostats down by just 1°C can cut up to 10% off heating costs, saving around £55 a year.


Apps Alert Me compares users’ homes with their neighbours. “Tis great app,” says British Gas, “will inspire or shame you to save money and energy by showing you your average energy spend and comparing you to other households in the area.” Joulebug brings the fun into energy-saving with handy tips and the chance to earn trophies while saving money.


And the Hive Active Heating app can knock £150 off energy bills


each year by allowing users to turn their home temperature up or down with a tap of their mobile phone.


Common sense If shelling out on new kit or downloading apps is too much hassle, employing some good old-fashioned common sense can give a welcome, energy efficient boost to the bank account. uSwitch says that keeping heating on constantly at a low level can


save more money than switching it on and off. And, when cooking, the website says let the cooker do the legwork to keep home chills at bay. “Leave the oven door open aſter cooking to let the heat warm your kitchen,” it says. Packing the fridge and freezer is also good for the bank balance.


Te more empty space inside, the more energy it takes the appliances to stay cool. Ninety per cent of a washing machine’s energy expenditure is


spent on heating the water, so washing clothes at 30-40 °C saves significant amounts of money.


And, if all else fails, the website suggests whacking on more jumpers, socks and slippers… and puting an extra blanket on the bed.


Code: OVW-10


Special Offer: 10% discount with this magazine, please quote the discount code along with your enquiry


(offer ends 1st March 2019).


We offer kitchen renovations, carpentry work or choose from our own range of kitchens, wardrobes and much more.


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Office- 01622 664867 | Mobile- 07889920361 | Email- info@oakvalecarpentry.co.uk www.oakvalecarpentry.co.uk Mid Kent Living 49


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