The central heating time of year is upon us

Energy expert reveals tips to save £300 on your bills this winter

An energy expert has shared his top tips for saving energy in each room of the house - and they could save you up to £300 on your energy bill in just a few months

by · Birmingham Live

As the balmy days of summer give way to shorter daylight hours, concerns about rising bills are mounting among Brits bracing for the colder months ahead. Ofgem has set the stage with the announcement of a new price cap effective from October 1st until the end of the year, signalling an automatic 10% hike that will tack on an extra £12 to monthly bills, even without increased usage.

Yet Daniel McCowan, energy specialist at Green Improve, cautions that the actual hit to household finances could be much steeper due to heightened energy use in the chillier season, potentially seeing bills soar.

"Given the increased energy consumption during colder periods and the new energy price cap coming into effect in October, I wouldn't be surprised to see energy bills double or even triple compared to the summer months," Daniel issued a stark warning.

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In light of this, the energy guru has shared some savvy tips aimed at each room of the house to help keep spiralling energy costs at bay. Daniel suggests: "You can significantly reduce your energy bill by making small changes to your habits.

"Considering the increased energy price cap, a typical British household can save around £300 in the final quarter of the year by implementing these tips," he claims.

Among his advice is taking briefer showers to slash water heating expenses, and fitting a low-flow showerhead to conserve hot water while still enjoying a satisfying rinse. Moreover, it's advisable to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving, and avoid leaving lights on when you're not in the bathroom.

The kitchen is frequently a major contributor to energy consumption. Nevertheless, there are several measures you can take to lower your energy bill.

Place lids on pots and pans to retain heat and speed up cooking. Preheating the oven should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and opt for the air fryer whenever feasible.

Ensure the dishwasher is fully loaded before use, and disconnect any appliances when they're not needed as they continue to use energy even when turned off.

Avoid filling the kettle to the top if you're only making one cup of tea, and make sure all your appliances are working efficiently.

In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to purchase a new fridge if your current one frequently accumulates ice and you're unable to defrost it regularly.

Even during our downtime in the living room, there are ways to minimise our energy usage. Lower the blinds to prevent drafts and maintain a warmer living room.

When operating your heating system, adjust the thermostat to a comfortable level and steer clear of extreme settings. Disconnect devices such as your TV, gaming console, and phone charger when they're not being used to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.