Seasonal Savings: Tips to Cut Utility Costs in Every Season

If you’ve ever been on a credit meter, you’ll probably have noticed that your energy bills are higher in the winter than they are in the summer. Or if you’re on a prepayment meter, you’re topping it up with funds more often in the summer.

That’s because as temperatures rise and fall throughout the year, seasonal changes can have a significant effect on your utility bills as your energy use rises and falls along with it.

By understanding how your energy consumption habits are affected by the seasons and taking up smart strategies that complement them, you can manage your expenses more effectively and save more money.

Here are some simple ways to make savings on your energy bills, whatever the weather.

Winter: the heating challenge

Many homes experience a sharp increase in costs during the winter as temperatures drop. While needing to switch your lights on earlier in the day contributes to higher winter costs, the main culprit of rising bills in the colder months is usually the heating.

To save money on energy during the winter:

• Insulate your home to reduce heat loss – this includes closing the curtains in the evening to trap the warm air inside and making sure your loft is adequately insulated too as heat rises.
  
• Use smart thermostats to optimise heating schedules – smart, programmable thermostats let you control the heating in your home remotely as well as set times for it to come on and off, rather than having to leave the heating on all day or come home after work to a freezing house.
  
• Wear warmer clothing indoors – it may be obvious, but layering up against the cold even while indoors is a simple way to avoid turning the thermostat up higher and spending more on heating.

Summer: keeping cool without high costs

If you have an air conditioner, you might find that your energy bill also spikes over the hottest days of summer as they can use a lot of energy, too. Instead:

• Use ceiling fans – large ceiling fans can circulate cool air around the room effectively while not using too much electricity to run.
  
• Close blinds and curtains during peak sunlight hours – the sun beating down through your windows in the summer can have a greenhouse effect on your home and make it even hotter.
  
• Maintain your cooling appliances regularly – as well as choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner if you’ve decided to use one, it’s also important to clean it often and make sure it’s working properly. Dust build-up can lead to air conditioners working harder and using more energy than usual to cool the air.

Making the most of ‘transition seasons’

Thanks to more moderate temperatures reducing the need for cooling and heating systems, spring and autumn are often the most energy-efficient seasons. This makes these periods ideal for preparing for the extremes of winter and summer:

• Service your heating and cooling systems – even if you’re not using them right now, it’s best to keep them in top condition and working efficiently, ready for when it’s time to use them again.
  
• Seal gaps and cracks in doors and windows – rather than waiting for winter to discover cold air coming in, now’s the best time to get ahead and seal draughts.
  
• Top up your prepayment meter with a little extra – if you have a prepayment meter rather than a credit meter, you’ll be paying for your energy as you go rather than being billed for your use monthly. Gradually building up funds on your prepayment meter during times when you’re using less energy will leave you with a surplus of funds that can then be used over winter and summer.

Adjusting for Daylight Savings Time

Changes in daylight hours when the clocks go forwards (and backwards) can also impact energy consumption.

Make the most of natural light by keeping curtains open during daylight hours and turning off unnecessary lights. If you’re keeping your curtains closed to keep the heat out in the summer, remember to open them again later in the afternoon when there’s still light in the sky, but the sun is no longer shining strongly through your windows.

Save with your utility provider

Bundling your household services with Utility Warehouse, also known as UW, can help you reduce your costs throughout the year. UW offers energy, broadband, mobile and insurance, which they bundle onto one monthly bill – and the more services a customer takes, the more discounts they receive.

Although you don’t have to do so when you become a UW customer, becoming a UW Partner also lets you earn money by recommending their services.

Use smart technology

Like smart thermostats, smart home devices can help you monitor energy usage and identify cost-saving opportunities. Consider investing in smart plugs that let you control your electronics remotely, and smart meters that provide real-time insights into your energy consumption patterns.

The Utility Warehouse (UW) app also lets you see all your services with them under one account, and lets you submit meter readings in a few taps if you don’t have a smart meter –although UW also offers a free smart meter installation service, too.

Seasonal changes don’t have to wreak havoc on your utility bills. By making the most of technology, exploding low-cost options like joining Utility Warehouse (UW) and staying proactive during ‘less expensive’ seasons, you can keep your expenses in check all year round. Start implementing these tips today to enjoy greater financial control and peace of mind.