A LIGHTING expert has shared six tips to cut costs this winter.
So if the cost-of-living crisis has made your purse feel tighter than ever and you’re on a mission to save cash where possible, then you’ll need to listen up.
A lighting expert has revealed six simple tips that will save you cash this winter[/caption]
So if you want to cut costs with barely any effort involved, you’ll need to get rid of your old-fashioned light fixtures[/caption]
You’ll also want to follow this simple curtain strategy, which will heat your home without needing to turn the heating on[/caption]
Switching to LED light bulbs and smart light solutions is also a great place to start[/caption]
As the temperatures get lower, many people will begin to notice the impact of the energy price cap increase that took effect at the start of this month.
With another three percent hike expected in January and the days getting darker, it’s crucial for households to start adopting energy-saving habits now to prevent their bills from soaring over the cold and dark winter months ahead.
With this in mind, Matthew Currington, Technical Director of The Lighting Superstore, has shared his top six tips on how to keep your home warmly lit, without having to break the bank.
Not only will you need to take notes of his simple, and free, sunshine strategy, but you’ll have to consider smart light solutions too.
Switch all lights to LED
For those looking to save cash this winter, switching to LED light bulbs is a great place to start.
According to Matthew: “This is the easiest and most effective way to save on your bills because LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy and last up to 24 times longer.
“If you’re looking to reduce energy costs without losing brightness, a 40W incandescent bulb can be replaced with a 6W LED, while a 60W incandescent bulb can be replaced with a 9W LED.
“Even larger bulbs can be swapped easily—such as trading a 100W incandescent for a 15W LED or a 150W for a 22W version.”
Consider smart light solutions
Not only this, but you’ll need to consider smart light solutions too.
Matthew continued: “All smart lights are LED bulbs, so if you’re planning to make the switch to LED anyway, it’s worth considering smart bulbs.
“With remote control features, they allow you to manage your lighting whenever you need it, without leaving lights on when you’re out of the house.
“Smart bulbs can be set on timers to maximise efficiency and reduce energy wastage.
“They can be programmed to gradually brighten in the morning for a gentle wake-up or dim in the evening to support your circadian rhythm and promote better sleep.”
Dim your lights
In addition to this, if your lights have a dimmer, it’s time to turn them down.
Matthew advised: “Dimming your lights helps save energy because lower brightness requires less wattage and, therefore, less electricity.
“Consistently dimming your lights can lead to noticeable energy savings while also extending the lifespan of the light bulbs.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
“Smart lights are particularly advantageous in this regard, as they don’t require the costly installation of a physical dimmer switch.
“Instead, they can be easily controlled through an app, allowing you to dim or switch off lights remotely.”
Replace old-fashioned light fixtures
If your home is full with antique light fixtures, according to this pro, it might be time for an upgrade.
He explained: “Antique light fixtures may look beautiful, but they often aren’t the best option for energy conservation.
“Modern fixtures are much better at reducing electricity usage as they are designed to work with energy-efficient bulbs and distribute light more effectively, often requiring lower wattages. This can reduce the need for multiple lights to be in use at the same time.
“Many modern fixtures also come with additional smart features, such as battery power, motion sensors, built-in dimmers, and timers, giving you greater control over how much light is used.
“It’s important to consider replacing outdated fixtures to minimise electricity consumption and prevent energy wastage.”
Follow a sunshine strategy
And if you’re after free hacks to cut costs, you’ll have to follow Matthew’s simple curtain advice.
He shared: “Keeping the curtains closed in winter can help keep the cold out and the warmth in, but if you need to have all your lights always on to compensate, finding a balance is key.
5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter
1. Draught-proof your home
It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.
2. Dial down your thermostat
According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!
3. Move furniture around
Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.
4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin
Unless it’s bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.
5. Heat the person not the home
There’s not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
“On sunny winter days, make sure to open the curtains to make the most of the natural light and warmth from the sun.
“However, be sure to close them once the sun sets or on grey, wet days to retain heat and prevent cold draughts.
“During this time, opt for a single main light source to illuminate the room, and if you have smart bulbs, consider dimming the light slightly to reduce glare and energy usage.”
Maintain efficient outdoor lighting
Finally, it’s important that your outdoor lighting is efficient too, as the expert concluded: “Consider installing low-glare, energy-efficient outdoor fixtures that are nature-friendly to reduce unnecessary light pollution and minimise disruption to wildlife while ensuring safety around your property.
“It is key to install timers and motion sensors, ensuring lights are only on when needed.
“For even greater savings, consider solar-powered lights and combine smart lighting choices and energy-efficient solutions to maintain well-lit outdoor spaces without inflating your energy costs.”
