Going on holiday is the perfect opportunity to destress and unwind – but mounting energy bills while you’re away can make for a not-so-nice welcome home.
Here, Roger Oakley, at H2O Heating and Plumbing, looks at how to save money on your energy bills while you’re away on holiday.
Manage your heating
It is generally good practice to never completely shut off your boiler. That’s particularly true in the colder, winter months when there’s a chance your pipes could freeze.
It is best to set your boiler on a timer or place it on an “eco” mode that reduces energy usage.
If your home has smart technology like a Hive thermostat, you will be able to control your heating from your phone, wherever you are in the world.
Don’t forget to make sure all your windows and doors are closed, too. This isn’t just for security, but also to keep your home insulated and warm while you’re away.
Turn off your stopcock
Turning off your stopcock won’t just stop any unwelcome bills should someone forget to turn a tap off – it can save your property from extensive damage by preventing floods.
You can usually find your stopcock under your sink. Turning it off is a quick and easy job that could potentially save you thousands.
Should you turn off appliances?
Turning off big appliances like your fridge and freezer can be a great way to reduce energy consumption. But that all depends if you plan to empty them first or not.
If you’ve got lots of food in the fridge, you can still turn down the temperature a few degrees to save energy.
Don’t forget your freezer will defrost when you turn it off, which could leave pools of water on your kitchen floor. Make sure you do it well in advance to prevent any damage to your property.
On the topic of turning things off – don’t forget to turn your lights off if you’re concerned about your electricity bills. But you might want to consider leaving one or two on for security purposes.
Concerned your energy bills are too high? It could be time for a new boiler. Contact our team today for advice.