Stay warm, spend less.
Posted by Sarah, Celtic Sustainables on 22nd Jan 2025
Energy Savers Week runs from 20 to 26 January 2025
Energy Savers Week is an annual campaign by Citizen's Advice in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust in the United Kingdom. Its aim is to raise awareness about energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and combat fuel poverty.
We understand how challenging it can be to manage rising energy costs, especially with bills nearly doubling since this time last year. That's why it's so important to share energy-saving tips that can make a difference for you. Like the Energy Saving Trust, we genuinely care about helping you find ways to save on your energy expenses and want to offer some useful products that can assist you in this journey. You're not alone in this, and we're here to support you.
Warm Home Hacks
Keep the heat in
Focus on draught-proofing and insulation to keep your home warm this winter. Blocking unwanted gaps saves energy, reduces bills, and keeps your home cosy.
Start by draught-proofing windows and doors. Installing door seal strips/tapes can be a simple yet impactful solution to keep the cold air out and help you feel more at ease in your space.
Closing internal doors and using draught excluders reduces the amount of heat that moves into colder areas of your home. It’s a really effective way of keeping the room you use most warm and cosy.
Properly insulating your cavity walls and loft space will prevent heat loss. Now, this is something we do talk about on repeat all throughout the year. It really does reduce the amount it costs to heat your home. Breathable insulation, such as Thermafleece, can also help regulate humidity levels within the building fabric.
Leftover insulation scraps can be a real lifesaver when it comes to making your home more comfortable. They’re perfect for plugging those pesky holes and drafts in all the nooks and crannies. You can even use them to insulate under the bath, behind cupboards, or in your dog’s house. It’s a simple way to ensure that both your home and your furry friend stay warm and cosy!
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
A comfort thermometer can help you find the most comfortable temperature for your home, which can save you money on your energy bill. The ETI comfort thermometer clearly displays a colour-coded comfort bar that gives a quick indication of whether the room is too cold, comfortable or too hot. Ensuring optimum conditions are maintained.
You can also save money by consistently running your heating at a lower temperature.
Save fuel with an eco-fan Stove Fan
If you have a log burner, you’ll want one of these brilliant little fans. Tests have proven that an Ecofan from Caframo can, in fact, reduce fuel savings by up to 18%. The fans use thermoelectric technology to convert heat into electricity – so no running costs, no batteries required! They sit on top of your stove and start working as soon as they reach a certain temperature. The fan moves the warm air from above the stove (that would otherwise rise up) out into the room.
Benefits of using an Ecofan
- You can reduce your fuel usage by up to 18%
- By consuming less fuel, you not only save on costs but also contribute to a healthier environment by lowering carbon emissions.
- Ecofans can warm rooms up to 38% faster
- They make the perfect and sustainable gift that truly keeps on giving!
- This innovative device distributes heat more evenly throughout your space, ensuring greater comfort while promoting sustainable living.
If you have a wood-burning stove, it is also a great idea to get a woodstove thermometer. These clever little devices tell you at a glance if you are running your stove too hot and, therefore, burning more fuel than you need. They have a magnet on the back and simply stick to the stove. No batteries are required; the gauge changes mechanically based on the heat output.
Water: collecting, storing and re-using
Installing a water butt this time of year for sure won't keep you warm…but it will save you money in the summer! Just think of all the chemical-free, soft and FREE rainwater you can start collecting now to water your flowers and veg patch in the summer months. It’s a win-win for all of us.
How can a water butt save you money?
- Utilizing rainwater is an effective way to reduce water waste. You can use rainwater for a variety of important uses, including watering your garden, washing your cars, and flushing toilets. Make the most of this resource!
- Using rainwater will reduce your water bill
Rainwater harvesting is an effective and sustainable practice that not only conserves water but also fosters a deep sense of environmental responsibility. By capturing and utilizing rainwater, we can protect our precious water resources for future generations.
This isn't the first time we've shared energy-saving tips and information. Check out our other blog articles today! If you have a friend or neighbour who could benefit from this information, please feel free to share it with them.
You can also find more tips on saving energy in your home or office on the Energy Saving Trust website.
We hope this information aids you in making more informed decisions. As the chilly winter months continue, we wish you comfort and warmth. Before you know it, the days will grow longer, flowers will bloom, and the promise of spring will be just around the corner!