Energy Saving Week - cut costs, save energy | Tenant news

High energy bills remain a challenge for many households, but Energy Savers Week (20 – 26 January) – aims to turn that challenge into an opportunity by putting forward a plan to help all our homes be more energy efficient and reduce our outgoings.

The week, which is run by the Energy Saving Trust and  Citizens Advice gives practical advice on finding the best energy deals and the changes we can all make at home that can lead to savings.

Action plan

The Trust has a simple five-day action plan to help you start saving on your energy bills right away.

Day 1: Check your radiators

Radiators should be bled to ensure they’re heating efficiently. Cold spots often indicate trapped air, which can make your heating system work harder than necessary.

Use a flathead screwdriver or a radiator key if the valve has a square spindle. Make sure the heating is off and cool before bleeding, and you may need to repressurise the system afterward. Check your boiler’s manual or consult a heating engineer for instructions.

Day 2: Boiler flow temperature

Your boiler's flow temperature determines the heat sent to radiators and the hot water cylinder. Lowering it by even one degree could reduce heating bills by up to 9%.

During a routine service visit, our gas contractors usually set this temperature based on the appliance type, radiator count, and tenant needs. Afterward, the flow temperature will be controlled by your home’s thermostats.

Day 3: Keep heating at comfortable temperature

Note that raising the thermostat won’t heat your home faster. Set your heating to come on earlier and aim for a comfortable temperature of 18-21°C.

Day 4: Book a boiler service

Habinteg is responsible for regular servicing of boilers in our homes to ensure they are running efficiently and are safe.

We’ll notify you when your annual safety check is due by contacting you 10 weeks in advance.

Day 5: Use heating wisely

If you have central heating, use timers or smart thermostats to heat rooms only when needed. If you don’t have central heating and must use portable heaters, aim to use them in smaller rooms and for shorter periods to minimise costs. You can also layer up and make use of hot water bottles to stay warm.

Unplug your gadgets

While advice like lowering your heating, using energy-saving bulbs, and switching off unused lights may be obvious, what about the electric gadgets you leave in standby mode?

Research from electric and gas supplier Utilita shows that the average UK household has 10 items plugged in at all times - even when not in use. If you’re one of these households, switching off these devices could save you up to £55 a year.

If you’re looking for even bigger savings, Utilia's High 5 campaign provides 15 ways to reduce your bills by changing your energy, water and cooking habits. 

If you act on their top three suggestions - turn the heating down by 1 degree, set your hot water temperature to 50°C and use the most efficient cooking appliance – you could save up to £281 a year.

More help

The government’s Help for Households website offers more practical tips to make your home more energy-efficient without breaking the bank.

And remember, if you're worried about your energy bills or struggling with money, our cost of living support hub can connect you to support services that can offer advice.

Have you signed up to the tenant portal, My Habinteg, yet? It’s quick and easy, you can access a breakdown of your service charges and there’s a monthly £50 shopping voucher winter prize draw for new users. Sign up now. And, if you'd like to receive the digital version of tenant newsletter Update, instead of the print version, please email comms@habinteg.org.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list.