Energy-Saving Strategies for a Cosy Home

As the colder months approach, we are all looking for ways that we can keep our homes warm and cosy without building up a larger energy bill. At Hurstwood Homes, we understand the importance of energy efficiency in modern homes, for your comfort, environment and budget.  With rising energy costs and environmental concerns, finding ways to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money is more critical than ever.

Here are some practical and specific tips to help you cut down on energy use while staying comfortable all year round.

Heating and cooling: 

One of the most significant areas where you can reduce energy consumption is in your heating. Here are some easy steps to consider:

• Lower Your Thermostat: Lower Your Thermostat: Turning your heating down by just one degree can save energy while keeping your home warm. You may not notice the temperature difference, but your energy bill will.
• Bleed your radiators: Regularly bleed radiators to ensure they’re heating efficiently and evenly.
• Get your boiler serviced:  Schedule regular boiler servicing to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. A well-maintained boiler can significantly reduce energy consumption.
• Reduce your hot water tank temperature to 60C: In the UK, this is the recommended temperature to kill bacteria and prevent scalding water. This will also help improve the efficiency of your water heating system and save you money without compromising hot water quality!
• Set a timer: Program your heating to turn off when you’re out or asleep. Lowering heating while sleeping under a thick duvet can save money—and might even help you sleep better!
• Use heating intentionally: Avoid heating unused rooms by turning off radiators or adjusting the thermostat in those spaces.
• Utilise your Log Burner: Our Hurstwood Homes are equipped with log burners in living areas. If your home has a log burner or fireplace, use it during the colder months as an efficient heating alternative. Ensure your fireplace and firewood is prepared ahead of time for convenience during winter.
• Cosy Up with Throws: Don’t overlook a blanket! Blankets, throws and rugs keep you warm by keeping heat in, adding layers and warming up the space with some colour and comfort.
  • Consider an electric blanket - perfect for in bed or sitting on the sofa in the evening, an electric blanket is more energy efficient than heating a whole room. Most electric blankets have heat controls and timers to suit you too!

Our new homes at Cotton Meadows and Tabley Homes development Beeston Park have air source heat pumps. These pumps are a sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems. These innovative pumps extract heat from the outside air, even in temperatures as low as -15°C, to provide heating and hot water. This process is highly efficient, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and lowering heating costs. 

Water Usage

• Shorter Showers: Reduce shower times to four minutes or less to save both water and energy.
• Water-Saving Shower Head: Install a water-saving shower head to reduce water flow without sacrificing pressure.

Appliances and Electronics

Small changes in how you use your appliances can lead to big savings:

• Unplug when not in use: Turn off appliances when you're not using them, or use a standby saver to turn them all off at once. (Beware of Vampire Devices! These are devices that consume energy even when not in use, such as smart speakers, TVs, microwaves, and appliances on charge.) 

Tip: Consider a smart plug - smart plugs are controlled by your voice or smart phone and mean you can always switch off your appliances if you forget! They are also super handy for the festive period to control your Christmas lights - in the app you can create schedules or turn them off when no one is in the room.

• Don’t over boil!: Save money by avoiding overfilling the kettle when you boil it. You can also use smaller pans and keep saucepan lids on to reduce energy consumption when cooking on the hob.
• Cook efficiently: Avoid opening the oven door while cooking to maintain heat, and consider using more efficient appliances like slow cookers or air fryers.
• Hand wash strategically: Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when full to maximise efficiency. For smaller dishwashing tasks, fill the sink rather than using the dishwasher. Opt for cold water when possible to save even more energy.

Washing and Drying

Laundry can consume a lot of energy, but there are ways to cut costs:

• Shorter Wash Cycles: Set your washing machine to 30°C and use shorter cycles.
• Full Loads: Fill your washing machine completely to maximise efficiency.
• Tumble Dry Sparingly: Use the tumble dryer sparingly to save energy.
• Drying Alternatives: Consider a heated clothes rail. Two hours of heated airer drying versus one tumble dryer cycle will save you £1.36 each time, according to Uswitch.com energy expert Ben Gallizzi. This means you can save on dryer cycles in the colder months too!

Insulation and Drafts

• Seal Draughts: Use adhesive seals for windows and doors or cushion draught excluders for added comfort and reduced heat loss.
• Curtains and Blinds: Closing the curtains during the winter helps reduce up to 10% in heat loss from a warm room. Open curtains when sunny during the day to let in the warm sunlight.
• Upgrade to Double Glazing: All Hurstwood Homes are equipped with double glazing to help reduce energy in heating and cooling your home. If you don’t have double glazing, it can seriously benefit your energy consumption to replace your windows with modern, energy-efficient double glazing.
• Top Up Insulation:  Topping up loft insulation is a low-cost improvement with a significant impact on heat retention.

Track your energy usage!

Take advantage of your smart meter to monitor energy consumption. Regularly checking your usage helps identify areas for improvement and ensures you stay on track with savings. By implementing these sustainable, attainable practices in your daily life, you can make a significant impact on your energy bills, and the environment!

Get prepared for a cosy winter and enjoy every moment in your home!

Save more with a Hurstwood Home

Our homes are proud to boast an EPC B rating or above, so you can be certain to save more with a Hurstwood Home. Every Hurstwood Home is designed with superior insulation, high-performance windows, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Homeowners enjoy lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and a comfortable living environment year-round.

Read more on how you can save with a Hurstwood Home here.

Find your Hurstwood Home now to save more with an energy efficient home whilst enjoying all of the comfort and quality that comes with it.

Homes available now at Newchurch Meadows and Cotton Meadows coming soon.