Utilities

There are lots of ways you can save energy at home resulting in better outcomes for both the planet and your finances.

Energy

According to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, around 40% of Wirral’s carbon emissions come from our homes. That's well above the national average of 24%. 

After reading our tips below, if you need further support, contact Energy Projects Plus. They are a local charity who provide lots of great online advice for reducing energy usage and saving money, and guidance on financial support regarding energy usage. They have a contact form that you can use to request support from their team.

Back to boiler basics

Getting your boiler serviced will ensure it is working most efficiently over the colder months. Energy Projects Plus may be able to provide funding for new central heating in those homes that currently don’t have it. The Council may be able to provide financial assistance for essential repairs and renovations for low income homeowners.

The Government is providing funding to finance boiler upgrades to low carbon alternatives for eligible housing in England between 2022 and 2025. This means you may be able to make this change with little financial expenditure.

Other actions include bleeding your radiators and checking they are balanced, here’s a video that might help with that.

Draught-proof your home

Draught-proofing can be a quick, easy and cheap way of reducing the amount of warm air that escapes from your home. Some areas to focus on include:

• Windows and window frames
• Doors and door frames
• Keyholes
• Letterbox
• Loft hatch

You can even make your own draught excluder out of household items you no longer need, as shown in this Local Heroes article.

Insulation

There are many simple yet effective ways to insulate your home, which can reduce your heat loss, energy bills and carbon emissions. Even little fixes can add up to significant savings! For example, fitting an insulating jacket to your hot water cylinder will save you £50 a year in heating costs. If you want to find out more options for insulating your house, whether that be cavity walls, floor or roof then check out the Energy Saving Trust’s guidance.

Turn off ‘vampire’ devices

If your appliance’s standby light is on or the item is warm to the touch, it will be using energy. Where possible, turn your devices off at the wall or unplug them when not in use. You could save around £60 per year, just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.

Install a smart meter

Smart gas and electricity meters record half-hourly price and consumption data and allow you to more easily track your energy use. The government require energy suppliers in England, Scotland and Wales to provide smart meters to their customers. Get in touch with your energy supplier who can arrange for one to be installed at a date and time that suits you. You should not be charged for the service. Find out more on GOV.UK

Lower your laundry load

Using the washing machine on a 30-degree cycle, only start a wash once the machine drum is full. Reducing the cycle temperature and washing machine use by one run per week for a year could save around £22 on your energy bill .

Collective cooking

Batch cook or bake several things at the same time – keeping the oven door shut as much as possible, as each opening allows nearly a quarter of the heat to escape! Freeze any excess food and reheat using a microwave for lower energy usage.

Green Energy

Greening your home’s energy supply can reduce your carbon emissions and even save you money in the long run by reducing the amount of energy you need to buy. There are different technologies available each with their own benefits and considerations.

• Solar panels
• Wind turbines
• Hydroelectricity
• Micro combined heat and power

We’d recommend checking out the Energy Saving Trust’s advice, and then once you’ve read up, ask a few installers to visit your site and advise on the best option for. Group buying schemes such as Solar Together can reduce the costs.

Water

Saving water at home could lower your energy and water bill if you have a meter. It can also reduce carbon emissions and limit your impact on the local environment. Below are some simple steps you can take around your own home, or visit Save Water Save Money for more ideas and information.

Replace your old shower head

If you have an old and inefficient shower head, consider replacing it with a water efficient one. You could save around £45 off your gas and £25 off your water each year.

Turn off the tap

A running tap can use 10+ litres per minute, so try turning it off while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.

Reuse wastewater

Wash your fruit, vegetables or dishes over a bowl in the sink and use the wastewater to water your plants.

Use eco-settings

Only wash your clothes or dishes on a full load and regularly use the most efficient settings available.

Consider fitting a water butt

They can collect around 200 litres of rainwater off your roof, to use on your plants. Rainwater is much better for them than treated water. These can be found online or at some garden centres.

Health and safety

It is important to ensure the safety of yourself and others when making changes in your home. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have online resources available to assist you in making the best choices for your household, including a free online home fire safety check.