Seasonal saving tips for autumn
How to save on heating costs and energy use
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, which means that the heating season begins and energy consumption increases. However, there are many ways to reduce your heating costs in autumn and be environmentally conscious at the same time. Here are some effective tips to save energy and heat more efficiently.
1. Venting radiators
Before you turn up the heating, you should make sure that your radiators are working properly. Radiators that are not vented properly will work less efficiently and consume more energy. Air bleeding is a quick and easy way to make sure your heating is working optimally.
2. Adjust the room temperature
Many people heat their rooms too much. A temperature of 20 degrees in the living room is perfectly adequate, while 16 to 18 degrees is sufficient in the bedroom. Every degree higher increases energy consumption by around 6 %, so even a slight reduction in temperature can lead to considerable savings.
3. Using intelligent thermostats
With a smart thermostat, you can precisely control and programme the temperature in your home. This means you only heat when you need to and not when you are out of the house. Some thermostats can even be operated via your smartphone, giving you additional flexibility.
4. Use correct ventilation techniques
Ventilation is important to prevent mould growth and let in fresh air, but it should be done efficiently. Instead of leaving the windows ajar for a long time, it is better to ventilate several times a day, i.e. open the windows completely for around 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps the heat in the walls and the air exchange is more effective.
5. Check the seals
Leaky windows and doors let cold in and heat out. Check the seals on windows and doors in autumn and replace them if they are damaged. With additional seals or insulating film, you can keep the heat in the house and reduce heating requirements.
6. Use curtains and roller blinds as insulation
Curtains and blinds can also help to retain heat. When it gets dark, you should close them to keep the heat in the room. Thick curtains in particular act as an extra layer of insulation and help to reduce heating costs. During the day, you should open the curtains and blinds to let in sunlight and warm the rooms naturally. This allows you to turn the heating down a little and still maintain a comfortable room temperature.
7. Do not block radiators
Make sure that furniture or curtains do not cover your radiators. If the heat cannot circulate properly, the heating has to work harder to warm the room. So leave enough space so that the warm air can circulate freely in the room.
8. Use energy-saving household appliances
Autumn is also a good time to check the energy consumption of your appliances. Switch to LED lamps and energy-efficient electrical appliances that reduce power consumption. Switching off standby devices also helps to save energy.
9. Improve thermal insulation
If you are investing in your own home, it is worth considering better insulation for the roof, walls and windows. Good insulation keeps the heat in the house and significantly reduces heating costs in the long term. Even if the initial investment is high, you will benefit from the savings in the years to come.
Autumn is the perfect time to establish energy-efficient habits and reduce your heating costs. With small adjustments, such as the right ventilation or the use of smart thermostats, you can not only save money, but also make a contribution to protecting the environment. This will help you get through the cold months without unnecessarily high energy costs.
