Follow-up Energy Advice
Energy Advice Resources
Our Simple Guide on Saving Energy and Money and Support with Rising Living Costs supplement are jam-packed with advice on saving energy throughout the home, including how to use boiler flow settings to cut heating bills and tips on preventing damp and mould There’s also information on money management, income maximisation and the government support provided to householders during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Energy Advice Guides
If you would prefer our advice guides in paper format, please let us know and we’ll pop them in the post to you.
Maximise your income
With the cost of living rising, it's more important than ever to know what you're entitled to, as well as extra income it could unlock other financial support. Make sure you're not missing out – use this 10-minute calculator to see you what you might qualify for and how much you could get:
www.entitledto.co.uk
Check if you are eligible for a discount on your water bill: Money
Management
If you are struggling to make ends meet, using an online budgeting tool can help you get a clearer picture of your finances and more effectively manage your cash. Here’s a great resource to help you:
Money Saving Expert
If you are struggling with debt, applying for benefits or need advice on managing your money, contact Citizens Advice Cornwall for free advice:
South West WaterHere's our top 10 tips for saving energy and money:
If you are struggling to make ends meet, using an online budgeting tool can help you get a clearer picture of your finances and more effectively manage your cash. Here’s a great resource to help you:
The most economical way to use your heating is to use your heating programmer properly – make sure it is providing heat when you need it and you are not heating an empty house.
If you need to use additional heating, be aware that plug-in electric heaters are expensive to run. Consider buying a heated blanket as they are much cheaper to run, as they directly heat your body rather than the room.
Lower the flow temperature on your condensing combi boiler to 60°C. If you wear warm, layered clothing you may feel comfortable turning down your room thermostat.
Draught-free homes are comfortable at lower temperatures, so draught-proof doors, windows, interior doors; use thermal curtains or liners.
Reduce heating in unused rooms by adjusting radiator controls to a low level. To help prevent damp and mould problems, open trickle vents on windows and use kitchen and bathroom extractor fans to reduce condensation in your home.
If you have a hot water cylinder, make sure that it’s insulated and the tank thermostat is set to 60°C.
The recommended depth of loft insulation is 300mm (12"), so it’s worth checking if you need a top-up.
Wash full loads rather than half loads on your washing machine’s 30°C cycle with a fast spin. Dry clothes outdoors if you can. If you must dry clothes indoors, restrict to one room with the door closed and a window opened slightly or use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from your home.
Try to reduce the use of your oven. Slow cookers and air fryers offer low energy alternatives but using a microwave or hob could also help you cook a hot meal for less.
Showers use less water and energy than baths and can help you to save energy and water.
