The approach of Christmas and the change in weather as winter creeps in are just two of the reasons why this time of year can be a strain on our finances.
As well as the festivities to pay for, there is cost of heating, cooking and washing during the colder months.
However, there is chance to cut down on the bills and save money in 2016 with a new home, which research shows are much more energy efficient that older properties.
Better insulation, double-glazing, energy efficient boiler and monitoring of water usage are among the many benefits associated with new homes – kind to the environment and your pocket.
With energy prices a talking point at this time of year, and numerous incentives to help curb the cost of moving, there has never been a better time to buy - says developer Linden Homes Midlands.
Sales director Clare Phillips said: “We take our responsibilities in the areas of energy efficiency and sustainability very seriously.
“As part of the Government’s directive and our own responsibility towards the environment, our new homes meet with all the relevant regulations. Energy efficient new homes are well insulated and include double-glazing as standard – automatically making them cheaper to run than many older style properties.
“All new homes are fitted with a water meter which tends to encourage people to be more water efficient. Using less hot water, coupled with the fact that new homes are cheaper to heat and run that older house, will mean lower bills if used properly.”
So – you’ve moved into your brand new home and are already saving money on your utility bills, but how can you carry on being more energy savvy and save money? Here are some tips:
- You can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.
- Use a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap and save £30 a year in energy bills.
- Cutback your washing machine use by just one cycle per week and save £5 a year on energy, and a further £8 a year on metered water bills.
- A water efficient shower head could save a four person household around £67 a year on gas for water heating, as well as a further £100 on water bills if they have a water meter.
- More than half the money spent on fuel bills goes towards providing heating and hot water. Having a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves installed could save you between £80 and £165 a year.
- Turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save between £85 and £90 a year.
- Turn your lights off when you’re not using them. If you switch a light off for just a few seconds, you will save more energy than it takes for the light to start up again, regardless of the type of light. This will save you around £15 on your annual energy bills.
- Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save £10 off your energy bills each year, per person. With a water meter this will save a further £15 off annual water and sewerage bills.
- Boilers account for around 55 per cent of what is spent on energy bills in a year. Your new home will have a brand new energy efficient boiler.
For more energy saving tips visit www.energysavingtrust.co.uk
-ENDS-
For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
