As the clocks go forward tonight, households across the country will welcome longer, warmer days. Now, energy comparison experts at Uswitch are sharing the small adjustments around your home to save money on your energy bills as the seasons change.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert, at Uswitch says:
“If you don’t have a smart thermostat, it’s important to make sure your timer is changed manually in line with daylight saving time. Check that the clock on your programmer is correct before making any changes to your heating schedule for the warmer months.
“As the days get longer, you’ll notice that early mornings feel darker. Many of us will still be running our homes on winter timing schedules. While you may still need to heat your home, it’s worth pushing your heating schedule back by 30 minutes to an hour so you’re not wasting energy in the early hours.
“In contrast, lighter evenings mean that your home will retain warmth later into the day, so you may be able to turn your heating off earlier than usual. The added benefit of lighter evenings means many of us will spend more time outside, so it’s also important to make sure you’re not heating an empty home.
“Of course, as the weather warms up, it’s also worth considering turning down the overall temperature of your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning your thermostat down by just one degree could reduce your energy bill by up to 10%1. While it’s recommended to keep your home between 18-20°C during the winter months, the longer, lighter days mean that you can often reduce this slightly without impacting your comfort.
“Finally, if you don’t have one already, consider getting a smart thermostat to ensure you’re not heating an empty home. Even if you have your central heating on a timer that suits your work schedule, last-minute plan changes can mean your house is being warmed while no one’s there to enjoy it. With a smart thermostat, you can remotely control your heating from your phone.”
1 Energy Saving Trust – Thermostat and Heating Controls
