Why do we need to save energy?

As the days start drawing in and the nights become colder, many people look forward to cosy nights by the fire or snuggling up with the heating on to keep warm. Whilst it may be something to look forward to, for some it may be a time of worry due to the recent increase in the cost of living and energy prices.

We have put together some energy saving tips to help you keep the costs down in the coming months.

Ways to save on your electricity bills

• Turn your television off when you are not using it as it continues to use electricity when left on standby. This could save you £55 a year. 
• According to the Energy Saving Trust Turning lights and lamps off when you leave a room could save you £20 a year, just make sure to keep walkways and staircases well lit to prevent trips and falls.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs which have a long lifespan and use 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb.
• Use appliances that have a good energy rating; The Energy Savings Trust has some useful information on how to get the best out of appliances and gadgets.
• Defrost your freezer every six months as the more frost you have in your freezer increases the amount of work the motor has to do, costing you more money.
• Avoid overfilling your kettle could save you £36 a year.
• When using your washing machine, try to only wash when you have a full load and use cooler temperatures as this won’t use as much energy and could save you £28 a year. 
• Using a tumble dryer less could save you around £60 a year. 

The Money Saving Expert also has some useful tips and guides on how to save money on your bills.

Ways to save on your gas bills

• A smart thermostat such as Hive or Google Nest are great gadgets for managing your heating and hot water using their handy app. If you forget to turn off your heating they will alert you so that you don’t waste any heat. They will also put your heating on for you if your home drops below a certain temperature.
• Prevent draughts coming into your home by closing windows and doors, using thermal curtains or blinds, keyhole covers, letterbox covers and draught excluders under doors.
• Have your insulation levels checked by a local qualified installer, as little or no insulation could result in heat escaping through the walls and roof. There are schemes and grants available to help with insulation costs.
• Taking a shorter shower of around four minutes could save you a whopping £70 a year! 

The Energy Saving Trust has a useful guide taking you room by room to show how you can make adjustments to save energy. 

Can I get any help towards the rise in energy bills?

There are ways you could reduce your energy bills, including government schemes for people on a low income.

Winter fuel payment – if you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you may be entitled to receive between £250 and £600 to help towards your heating bills.

Warm Home Discount - you may qualify if you receive the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or if you are on a low income and meet your supplier’s criteria.

Cold weather payment – if you meet the eligibility criteria, a payment of £25 is made to you, if the average temperature in your area is forecast to be zero-degrees or below for over 7 consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March.

To find out more about the ways in which you could receive help towards your energy bills Turn2Us have a handy benefits calculator for you to check if you are eligible for any entitlements.

Importance of keeping warm for older people

As we get older our bodies become less able to circulate and retain heat, therefore cold temperatures put pressure on our hearts and circulation. We have some ideas that may help you keep warm in the colder months and will also keep your heating costs down.

• Using hot water bottles
• Extra layers of clothes
• Warm blankets
• Indoor exercises or frequently moving around
• Regular warm food and drinks
• Flasks of hot water or soup
• Wearing hats, gloves and scarves when you go out

The benefits of living in an Abbeyfield Home

Our homes include all of your bills and a variety of home-cooked meals enabling you to live worry free with the added benefit of good company and companionship.