Energy Mistakes That Are Adding Costs to Your Bills

With the energy price cap on the rise, it’s crucial to pinpoint and correct common energy mistakes that could be inflating your bills. Addressing these issues can lead to significant savings on your energy expenses. 

Let’s explore these frequent mistakes and how to remedy them to ensure you’re not overpaying for your energy usage. 

1. Inadequate Home Insulation

Insufficient insulation is a major factor contributing to energy loss. When your home isn’t properly insulated, heat escapes rapidly, forcing your heating system to work overtime and driving up your energy costs. 

Solution: Enhance your home’s insulation in critical areas like lofts, walls, and floors. Start with loft insulation, as it’s straightforward to install and very cost-effective. 

Tip: We provide free insulation grants for eligible homeowners. Check your eligibility for a free boiler scheme and lower your energy bills with this simple upgrade. 

2. Keeping Appliances on Standby

Many of us leave devices like TVs, computers, and gaming consoles on standby, often unaware that they still draw power, a phenomenon known as “vampire energy.” 

Solution: Completely turn off appliances when they’re not in use, or utilize smart plugs to automatically cut power to devices after a set period of inactivity. 

3. Overusing Your Heating System

Setting your heating too high or leaving it on while windows are open can lead to significant energy waste and higher bills.

Solution: Keep your thermostat between 18-21°C and consider using a programmable thermostat to manage your heating schedule effectively. Ensure that windows and doors are closed when the heating is on.

4. Ignoring Solar Panel Opportunities

Solar panels offer a fantastic way to generate free electricity for your home, reducing your dependence on costly grid energy. They can significantly lower your energy bills, and the prices for complete systems have never been more affordable.

Solution: Installing solar panels can provide free electricity for your home, helping to minimize or even eliminate your reliance on the grid.

Tip: We assist homeowners in accessing government eco4 scheme, free boiler scheme, solar panel grants, making it easier to install without upfront costs. Start generating your own electricity and reduce your bills today!

5. Using an Old or Inefficient Boiler

If your boiler is over ten years old, it’s probably running inefficiently and wasting energy.

Solution: Consider upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient boiler that consumes less energy to heat your home and water. A new, energy-efficient boiler using Free Boiler Grants could save each year on your heating bill.

Tip: You might be eligible for assistance through the eco4 scheme, Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which helps homeowners in England with the costs of upgrading to energy-efficient heating systems.

7. Not Using LED Bulbs  

Traditional light bulbs, such as incandescent and halogen types, consume significantly more electricity compared to modern LED bulbs, which are far more energy-efficient.  

Solution: Replace all your home’s light bulbs with LED options. LEDs not only use much less energy but also have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs.  

Potential Savings: By switching to LED lighting, you could save up to £50 annually on your electricity bill.  

8. Running Appliances During Peak Hours  

Operating energy-heavy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during peak hours can lead to increased energy costs. Peak hours typically fall on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, early evenings from 5 PM to 8 PM, and mornings from 7 AM to 9 AM.  

Solution: Try to use your appliances during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, and think about investing in energy-efficient models.  

9. Failing to Service Your Heating System 

Like any other appliance, your heating system requires regular maintenance to function efficiently. If it hasn’t been serviced in a while, it may be consuming more energy than necessary.  

Solution: Arrange for regular servicing of your boiler and heating system to ensure they operate efficiently and to prevent expensive repairs later on.  

10. Keeping Doors Open Between Rooms

Leaving doors open while heating your home allows warmth to escape, making your system work harder.  

Solution: Close doors in unused rooms to keep heat or cool air contained where it’s needed most.  

11. Ignoring Draught Proofing

Draughts around windows, doors, chimneys, and floors let cold air seep into your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and driving up your energy bills. These draughts can also create discomfort and lead to significant heat loss, particularly in older homes. 

Solution: Fill gaps with draught excluders, apply weatherstrips, and consider using chimney balloons or insulating your floorboards. 

12. Sticking with the Same Energy Supplier

Many households remain with their current energy supplier for years, often on costly standard variable tariffs. These tariffs might not provide the best rates, especially as energy companies roll out more competitive fixed-rate plans. 

Solution: Make it a habit to compare energy suppliers regularly to discover better deals, free boiler upgrade, and switch when a more affordable tariff becomes available. Numerous price comparison websites can assist you in finding the best rate. 

Reduce Your Energy Costs with Free Boiler Grants

With energy bills on the rise, it's crucial to take advantage of the support available. The UK government provides grants such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), with insulation, boiler upgrades, and solar panel installations. 

Register your interest for eco4 scheme, free boiler upgrade with us here, and we’ll reach out as soon as it becomes available in the new year.