Many seniors in the UK struggle with rising energy costs. But fear not! Here are essential tips and government support schemes to help you stay warm (or cool) without breaking the bank.
Beat the Heat & Chill (Summer):
- Keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Invest in blackout curtains for maximum heat deflection (they can reduce thermal energy loss by up to 25%) (HowStuffWorks) (Sleepout)
Seal the Deal (All Year Round):
- Drafty windows and doors are a major energy drain. Seal leaks and cracks with caulk or draught excluders. Check out this helpful guide on sealing windows: How to Seal Windows (UniBond).
Lighten Your Load (Year-Round):
- Unplug unused appliances and electronics to prevent them from draining energy on standby. Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs can also make a big difference.
Hot Water Watch (Year-Round):
- Only heat the water you need. Take shorter showers and consider installing a low-flow showerhead. Learn how a low-flow showerhead can reduce your water heating costs by 50%: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Hot Water Energy Bills
Laundry Love (Year-Round):
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and air-dry them instead of using a tumble dryer. John, an 80-year-old grandfather, told us he reduced his laundry energy by switching to cold water washes and using a washing line when the sun was out.
Find Out If You Qualify for Government Support:
Take this quick quiz to see if you’re eligible for benefits to help with your energy bills: Benefits – What benefits can I get?
Government Support for Lower Energy Bills:
- Cost of Living Payments: The government offers one-off payments to help with rising living costs, including energy bills. Check if you receive specific benefits like State Pension Credit to see if you’re eligible. Find out more and apply on Age UK’s Cost of Living Payments page: Cost of Living Payments.
- Energy Price Guarantee: This scheme caps the unit cost of electricity and gas, ensuring a fair price. Visit the government’s support page for more information: Get help with your energy bills.
- Winter Fuel Payment: If you were born before a certain date, you may receive a payment to help cover heating costs during winter. Check the details on Age UK’s Winter Fuel Payment page: Winter Fuel Payment.
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: This provides a discount on your electricity bill during winter. It’s available to those receiving the Guarantee Credit element of State Pension and some other low-income households. Find more information on the government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme page: The Warm Home Discount Scheme.
- Household Support Fund: Administered by local councils, this fund helps those struggling with essentials like food, utilities, and clothing. You can find information and apply through your local council’s website.
Top Tip from our Members:
Sarah from Norwich shared how she managed to keep her living room warm during the colder months. She decided to try thermal curtains, having heard they could help with insulation. After installing them, she quickly noticed a difference. The heavy fabric significantly reduced the cold draughts from her windows, making the room much cosier.
Sarah also mentioned that the curtains helped block out some of the outside noise, adding to the comfort. Over time, she even noticed a small reduction in her heating bills. Now, Sarah recommends thermal curtains to anyone looking for a simple and effective way to keep their home warm during winter.
Additional Resources:
- Energy-Saving Home Upgrades: Explore additional energy-saving upgrades you can make to your home: Ten Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient (homesandgardens.com).
- Expert Interview on Energy Conservation: Find tips and advice from energy experts: Energy Saving Trust Blog
