Gas, Electric, Council Tax, Water & Maintenance
In 2024, managing household expenses is more important than ever particularly with increasing energy prices and the never-ending rise of cost of living. I regularly have conversations with homeowners who are searching for ways to reduce their property bills while maintaining their property. So I thought I would put together a list of my top ten tips to help you save on gas, electricity, council tax, water and maintenance costs…
1. Install A Smart Thermostat
These are a great way to reduce your gas and electric bills so that you only heat your home when necessary. You can set a schedule on your device, allowing you to optimise heating and cooling when you are home or away. This in itself can save you up to 10-12% on heating costs annually.
2. Ensure You Have Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliances can guzzle energy so upgrading to energy-efficient models can drastically reduce your electric and gas consumption, e.g. an A-rated boiler or fridge. This will lower your bills and increase your home’e energy efficiency at the same time.
3. Get Rid Of Draughts And Insulate
Draught-proofing and insulating your home can be a game-changer. Simple fixes like sealing window gaps, installing draft excluders and insulating your loft or walls can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, leading to savings on your gas and electricity bills.
4. Check Your Council Tax Band
After speaking to many homeowners, it is apparent that many are overpaying on their council tax because they are in the wrong tax band. It is worth checking on the Government’s website and if you think you have been incorrectly banded, you can request a review. This can lead to you being put into a lower band and could lead to a substantial yearly saving.
5. Move To A Water Meter
If you are a small household or live alone, switching to a water meter could save you money. Water meters charge you for what you use, rather than a fixed rate. Many water companies offer free assessments to see if this switch would benefit you.
6. Low-Flow Shower Heads And Taps
Any way to reduce your water consumption is another way to cut down on your bills. Installing low-flow shower heads and taps and decrease water use without sacrificing water pressure. This can save you money on your water and heating bills in the long term.
7. Maintaining Your Boiler And Appliances
Regularly maintaining your boiler and home appliances is important for preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring they run efficiently. I would suggest annual boiler services to help prevent carbon monoxide leaks, prolong the life of the boiler and keep your gas bills under control.
8. LED Bulbs
Upgrading to LED bulbs can lower your electricity bills as they use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They can be a higher upfront cost, but they do last longer and reduce your overall electric consumption.
9. Fix Any Leaks Quickly
Addressing water leaks, such as a leaking tap or faulty pipe, can prevent larger, more expensive repairs down the line. Ignoring leaks can lead to water damage and mould, which I see a lot in properties when I inspect them. If these are not fixed promptly, they can affect your water bill and the structural integrity of your home.
10. Install Solar Panels
Now I’m fully aware there is an initial investment with solar panels but they can significantly reduce your electricity over time. Many government schemes provide incentives for installing solar panels, which could generate savings by allowing you to produce your own electricity during peak daylight hours.
You can reduce your property bills if you implement just some of my tips above. As a house surveyor, I highly recommend investigating some, if not all, of these tips to help with the cost of living and ensure your property remains energy-efficient and well-maintained.
Within my fee, I offer a follow-up consultation to discuss on the phone any issues or questions that you might have. I also stay with you through the process to completion to be on hand as much as needed to assist you or your legal advisor with any queries.
If you would like to find out more about the surveys, I offer then please get in touch.
