As winter takes full effect, rising energy costs are a topic on many people’s minds. The world is facing severe headwinds, meteorologically, economically and politically. This growing concern is against a backdrop of news about political upheavals, civil unrest, conflicts and the unrelenting impact of the Covid pandemic, casting a shadow over global markets and oil prices. All this combined means many of us will see an extraordinary price increase in our energy bills. As such, we must take action and protect our finances as we head into this winter.
What is China’s Role in Cutting Energy Costs?
The economic headwinds have caused a decrease in global consumer purchasing power. Whilst this is generally bad news for the world’s factories, one sector is full steam ahead. The China Project stated, “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to high gas and electricity prices across Europe”. Moreover, the piece continues, “people are buying many low-cost Chinese electric blankets, heaters, heat pumps, and other products to battle the coming cold”. As a result, China has aggressively increased their production of various winter goods. Factories are currently mass-producing everything from electric blankets to low-energy heaters to help homeowners battle the cold this winter.
Pictured: This factory operates 24 hours daily to meet market demand for heated blankets.
While the cost of living crisis is a complex one, there are some things that we can do to help make a difference. This blog focuses on the actionable steps you can take to reduce energy consumption. Here are some quick and easy tips to minimise the impact of your impending utility bills.
Cost-Cutting Tips:
Join SaveMoneyCutCarbon:
Cost-cutting platforms can be a lifesaver. As the leading Money-saving and sustainability platform in the UK, SaveMoneyCutCarbon is an excellent tool for reducing carbon and energy consumption. Through eco-friendly product recommendations and top tips, SaveMoneyCutCarbon has saved its customers 24,196,037 carbon Miles and 31,959,109 kWh of energy. We highly recommend checking out the platform to receive advice on everything from LED lighting to Electric vehicles.
Get a smart thermostat:
A smart thermostat can help you save money by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based. These adjustments adapt to your usage patterns for maximum efficiency. This small purchase can also significantly save money on energy bills and ensure you have a comfortably heated home.
Educate your family and friends about conserving energy:
One of the best ways to reduce energy costs is by teaching those around you about saving electricity. Show them how easy it is to preserve power without significant changes and see how much of the bill they can save each month.
Seal any cracks or gaps around your home:
Another way to conserve energy and save money is by ensuring your home is well-insulated. Sealing cracks or gaps around doors and windows will help keep the heat and cold air out. If you can’t spot any apparent cracks or crevices, draught excluders can be a very effective alternative.
Tin foil, the unsung hero:
A recent cost-cutting article by Energy Live News also suggests adding Tin foil behind your radiators. As strange as it may sound, this simple addition can “reflect warmth back into the room, and a roll costs as little as 65p”. Whilst it might not match the wallpaper, there is a method to the madness. Camden council and Winchester City Council have endorsed this hack, which is particularly effective in smaller spaces. An additional recommendation by former Conservative MP Edwina Currie is “Moving the sofa away from the radiator, you don’t want to be heating the sofa, you want to be heating the room.”
Consider investing in solar panels:
Solar panels are a great way to generate electricity and reduce energy costs. In addition, solar panels can provide a significant portion of your electricity needs if you live in a sunny area. Although pricey to install initially, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings on your monthly energy bill.
Use LED light bulbs:
LED light bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. This simple swap means you’ll save money on your energy bill and won’t have to replace the bulbs as frequently.
How do you dry?
Many of us love tumble dryers, and for a good reason. When they’re not shrinking your clothes, they can be a fast and effective way to warm your wet washing. However, a recent statistic in The Times states, “the cost of one cycle is about £1.57”. Their solution? “A heated airer is a good budget option. These are plug-in clothes horses with heated bars that dry your clothes in a few hours. Turning one on for five hours uses 1.2kWh of electricity, costing 40.8p. You can buy them for as little as £40 too.”
Get a Heated Blanket:
According to new statistics from Observer Network, European homeowners are on a heated-blanket buying frenzy. Data from the China Household Electrical Appliances Association shows that the export of multiple heating devices has dramatically increased. “Electric blankets became the hottest item, leading other categories with a growth rate of 97%”. The appeal is simple; They’re cost-effective. “Ofgem announced that it costs roughly 28p per kilowatt hour (kWh)” for a typical customer paying by direct debit.
Almost all of us feel the pressure of the increased cost of living crisis, but small changes can help make a difference to your energy costs this winter. As a result, we recommend trying out some of our tips and making a few simple changes to keep your home comfortable all season long.
