Recently Aimee (one of our Complex Needs Workers) met with Sarah from Arun District Council’s Home Energy team to talk about top tips for keeping your home comfortable and costs down. Here’s what she wanted to share!
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
Small Changes, Big Savings 💰
"Making small adjustments to how you use energy can save you hundreds of pounds a year," Sarah says.
Here are her top money-saving tips:
Turn down your thermostat: Lowering it from 20°C to 18°C could save you a whopping £318 a year.
Adjust your boiler flow temperature: Reducing it saves £124 a year while still keeping your home warm.
Turn down radiators in unused rooms: Save around £55 a year by only heating the rooms you use.
Air-dry laundry: Ditch the tumble dryer and save £134 a year.
Turn off standby appliances: Stop wasting energy on standby mode and save £117 a year.
Use your dishwasher efficiently: Only run it when fully loaded to save £34 a year.
Lights off in empty rooms: A simple habit that could save £44 a year.
Cook smarter: Put a lid on your saucepans while cooking to save £41 a year.
Be kettle-wise: Stop overfilling your kettle and save £27 a year.
Wash clothes efficiently: Washing below 40 degrees can save £24 a year, and running a fully loaded washing machine adds another £10 a year in savings.
This can give a POTENTIAL SAVING up to £928/year!!
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Autumn and Winter Prep 🍂❄️
When it comes to the colder months, it is important to plan ahead:
Maintenance matters: Get your chimney swept, service your boiler, and check your appliances for safety.
Energy efficiency tweaks: Insulate, draught-proof, and make small changes to improve energy use.
Fire safety first: Complete a fire safety checklist, and if you’re eligible, sign up for The Priority Services Register for additional support.
Clear those gutters: It’s a simple task but prevents bigger issues down the line.
Making the Most of Gas Central Heating 🔥
Timers and thermostats are key: Only heat the rooms you need and use thermostatic radiator valves to control temperatures in each space.
Lower boiler flow temperature: You don’t need it as high as you might think—lowering it can save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Know your numbers: The NHS recommends at least 18°C for older people or those with health conditions.
Tackling Damp and Mould 🌧️
Damp and mould can be a problem in any home, here are some practical tips to help:
Ventilate effectively: Let moist air out and fresh air in—it’s essential for managing humidity.
Keep furniture away from walls: Leaving a small gap helps air circulate and prevents damp patches.
Use a dehumidifier: These can be especially useful in problem areas.
Wipe down condensation: It’s a quick way to reduce moisture build-up.
Act quickly with mould: Clean it as soon as you spot it starting.
Heating People, Not Just Homes 🧣
“Sometimes, it’s about keeping yourself warm rather than the whole house," Sarah explains.
Top tips include:
Layer up: Wear multiple layers, starting with a thermal base layer (not cotton!). Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Stay active: Try not to sit still for too long—movement helps warm you up. If you house is too cold, go to warm spaces like a library, museum or shopping mall.
Comfort items: Hot water bottles, wheat bags, and electric blankets are great, but always check they’re safe to use.
Hot food and drinks: A hot meal or cup of tea can make all the difference.
Where to Get Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need more guidance, Sarah reminds us that you can seek help from the Energy Team at Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice.
Call: 0800 145 6879 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm).