With the shorter days, colder weather, and festive break on its way, it’s important to use energy efficiently and get the most out of our heating systems as we spend more time at home.
This week the Government has shared its new energy saving advice campaign – 'It all adds up'. The campaign provides energy advice that could help you cut hundreds of pounds off your bills this winter and is part of the Government's Help for Households support.
There's lots of tips on simple, low, or no-cost actions that you can take to immediately cut energy use, while still staying safe and warm this winter. We've shared some of these below;
- Turning your combi boiler flow temperature down to 60°C could save you up to £100 a year
- Turning down radiators in rooms you aren’t using or use less could save you up to £70 a year
- Turning appliances off at the socket could save you up to £70 a year
- Washing clothes at a lower temperature could save you up to £40 a year
- Using your tumble dryer less could save you £70 a year
Advice is also available on longer-term measures to improve your home's energy efficiency, not just this winter, but for years to come. It’s important to check with your landlord what long-term measures can be installed in your home, to find out what alterations can be made visit here.
We're excited to reveal that in the new year, we’ll be publishing our own guides on energy efficiency at home! They'll be jam-packed full of tips to save money, save energy and reduce your environmental impact. Until then, you can find energy saving tips in our recent magazine Futures in Focus: Autumn 2022
Mental health support:
This time of year is a time for togetherness and celebration, but we know this can also be a difficult time for people. If you or someone you know are struggling this Christmas, contact the following support groups and know there is someone you can talk to.
- Mind - Call 0300 123 3393 or visit Home - Mind / Christmas coping tips - Mind
- SHOUT - Text SHOUT to 85258 (24h text service) or visit Shout for free 24-hour mental health support
- Samaritans - Call 116 123 (24h helpline), email jo@samaritans.org or visit Samaritans
- YoungMinds - Text YM to 85258 (24h text service) or visit YoungMinds
- Calm - Call 0800 58 58 58 (helpline for men) or visit Campaign Against Living Miserably (thecalmzone.net)
- Papyrus - Call 0800 068 4141 (helpline for under 35s) or visit Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention (papyrus-uk.org