Top Tips To Help With The Increased Cost of Living

We are back with another top 5 tips to help with the energy price rise this October. We know it’s a worrying time ahead, so hopefully, these tips give you a little bit extra to help with the increased cost of living. Before you get started, have you checked out our previous blog for another top 5 tips?

1.Don’t overfill your kettle

The more water you boil, the more energy you use. Fancy a cuppa? Just use the ideal amount for you and your mug! Top Tip: Consider buying a smaller kettle so you aren’t tempted to overfill. Or what about a thermal mug to keep your brew hotter for longer?  

2.Limit your clothes wash

Wait until you have enough clothes to wash a full load rather than lots of little ones, and wash clothes at a lower temperature. Top Tip: Washing at 30 degrees rather than 40 degrees can help reduce your energy usage.  

3.Close your curtains at night and open them during the day

During the day it's important to try to use as much natural (and free) heat (in the form of sunlight) as possible. But when dusk falls, closing your curtains will help your home retain that heat. Try not to drape them over radiators if you switch them on, you’ll lose all your heat! It seems obvious, but keep your windows closed, especially when the radiator is on.

4.Cut your shower time

According to Money Savings Expert cutting, just a minute off your shower time could save £75 a year in energy bills if you have a meter.

5.Turn down the hot water temperature on your combi boiler

If you've got a combi boiler (in other words, you don't have a hot water cylinder), you will be able to adjust the hot water temperature. Octopus Energy says a temperature of about 55 degrees should be enough for most.

So, how do I change it?

There should be an option to change the temperature on the front of your combi boiler – usually indicated by a little tap icon. If you're not sure, check your boiler manual and then lower it to a temperature you are comfortable with.   Top Tip: Enjoy a good bath. If you are diluting the hot water with a lot of colds to reach the desired temperature your boiler temperature is likely too hot and you're wasting cash.   If you are looking for help, Citizens advice gives people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem, the Money Saving Expert is also a great website to help with money advice with tips and tricks.