The ongoing energy crisis has inflated costs and exacerbated fuel poverty
Improving your home’s energy efficiency can significantly reduce running costs
Effective energy management practices can help control heating and electricity expenses
Many of us have been working hard to manage the financial consequences of the energy crisis in recent years, most notably, the increase in energy costs. Why are bills so high these days?
Let’s take a look at three factors that could determine the increase in energy costs in your home. In many cases, action can be taken to improve your situation. RES energy advisors are available to offer free, impartial advice, as well as guidance on applying for government schemes to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Check our ECO eligibility page for more details.
For now, let’s take a look at the energy crisis, your home’s structural efficiency and your energy usage, as potential reasons for the rise in energy bills in your home.
Understanding the Energy Crisis
The recent global energy crisis has significantly contributed to the spike in energy bills, making it harder for households to manage their expenses. This crisis has multiple causes, such as international conflicts affecting major oil and gas producers. We’re also still feeling the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic which is causing supply chain issues.
The impact of the energy crisis has been significant, with energy prices increasing to levels never before seen. Unfortunately, the energy crisis might not be short-lived. While measures are being worked on to stabilise supply issues and meanwhile, sustainable energy solutions are becoming more prominent, it could take several years before prices return to levels seen in the past.
This is why households need to look at adopting strategies to manage these costs and find new ways to become more energy efficient at home.
Understanding the Energy Crisis
Another factor well worth considering is the overall energy efficiency of your home. The age, structural integrity, and insulation of your property can greatly influence energy cost. Older homes are often less energy-efficient, due to outdated construction methods and materials that do not retain heat effectively.
For example, buildings from the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras often lack proper insulation and have higher incidences of rising damp and drafts. Similarly, homes constructed before modern regulations came into play might have poor thermal properties too. Structures with solid brick walls, timber frames, or single-glazed windows can lose heat quickly, making heating more costly. If you have any of these features, those would be great places to start looking at improvements!
Upgrading insulation and ventilation can drastically cut energy costs. Insulation in the walls, roof, and floors helps prevent heat loss. For example, upgrading to double or triple glazing can significantly reduce heat loss through windows. Additionally, proper ventilation systems can control humidity levels and reduce the costs associated with excessive heating or cooling, ensuring a more comfortable living environment.
Retrofitting features like these is called taking a “fabric-first approach” – focusing initially on insulation and draught-proofing, ensuring your home retains heat more effectively. It’s the material of the property itself that matters the most, when it comes to improving the cost of energy use.
Understanding Your Energy Usage
The way you use energy in your household also plays a crucial role in managing energy costs. Simple changes in behaviour or switching to efficient technology can make a noticeable difference! For example, managing your heating system efficiently by using programmable thermostats can ensure that you only use energy when needed. Simple, free of charge changes like lowering the thermostat slightly can reduce heating expenses without sacrificing comfort.
As for electricity, focusing on lighting and appliance usage can help control electricity costs. Switching to LED lighting, which is more energy-efficient, can lead to significant savings over time. Additionally, being mindful of high-energy appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers, and using them smartly can further reduce energy costs.
It’s also worth considering upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances. Newer models often consume significantly less energy!
The truth is, the energy crisis, your home’s energy efficiency, and how you manage your energy all contribute to your overall energy expenses. Some factors are out of our control, but many are.
Whether it’s through improving your home’s insulation, adopting smarter energy usage habits, or investing in more efficient appliances, there are practical ways to manage and reduce your energy costs during the most challenging times. Talk to a RES energy advisor about your situation at home and receive personalised energy advice to help you get started.
Check your Eligibility
