Money saving tips
Did you know that 87% of Welsh residents are worried about the cost of living whilst 92% of the population are keeping a close eye on their finances. If you think your struggling, just remember you are not alone, with two-thirds of households trying to cope with their household money struggles.
Here at Dawsons we have put together a few helpful tips to guide you through 2023 as “Every saved penny makes pounds earned”.
Off-Peak Energy Saving
Whilst every energy provider's off-peak timing will vary depending on the tariff you have chosen, the average off-peak is between 10pm and 8am.
Which top 2 household appliances heavily use your electricity?
1. TVs are one of the highest used energy household appliances – Did you know that an average TV can use an annual total of up to £130!
- Saving Tip – Just imagine how much you could save when simply switching all your electrical appliances off standby and save an annual average saving of £12 per appliance.
2. Followed on by the British love for a cuppa - Kettles – Did you know that an average of 2 kettle boils a day can cost you an annual total of £10. However, if you are coffee lovers like some of our Team Dawsons, you’ll be flicking that kettle a lot more throughout the day!
- Saving Tip - After a boiled kettle, with the remaining hot boiled water, poor into a flask ready for the next cup of tea
Government energy-saving tips
- Tip 1 - Turning your combi boiler flow temperature down to 60°C could save you up to £100 a year –
The flow temperature is the temperature of the water that your boiler sends to radiators. Reducing flow temperature isn’t the same as lowering your thermostat and won’t noticeably reduce the temperature of your home but may increase the time it takes to reach the target temperature on your thermostat.
If you are over 65 or have pre-existing health conditions, you may want to set a slightly higher flow temperature of 65°C to ensure your home warms more quickly.
- Tip 2 - Turning down radiators in rooms you aren’t using or use less could save you up to £70 a year –
When you’re not using rooms, turn radiator valves down to between 2.5 and 3 (roughly 18°C). While you are using a room, increase the temperature to a comfortable level by turning the valve up. Turning off radiators completely in rooms you are not using is less energy efficient as this means your boiler has to work harder to increase the temperature again than if kept at a low setting.
People over 65, children under 5 and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Make sure you are warm enough and have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C to ensure you protect your health while maintaining comfort.
- Tip 3 - Turning appliances off at the socket could save you up to £70 a year –
Almost all electrical appliances in your home, such as computers, televisions, smart devices and video game consoles, draw power continuously unless unplugged. Turn off the power switch at the socket or unplug appliances from the socket when they are not in use.
- Tip 4 - Washing clothes at a lower temperature could save you up to £40 a year –
Modern washing machines can clean clothes effectively at lower temperatures. Changing from 40°C to 30°C means you could get 3 cycles instead of 2 using the same amount of energy, depending on your washing machine.
Welsh Water Tariffs
According to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Welsh households use an average of 176 litres of water per person a day! Welsh Water are the second highest UK water provider and with an increase of their tariffs by an average of £14, simply switching some of your house habits can save you several pennies a year.
- Saving Tip - Reducing your time in the shower to 5 minutes could save you an annual average saving of 40 litres of water.
Did you know that the average cost of running water to brush your teeth can use an average of 18 litres of water per person per day?
- Handy Tip – Whilst waiting for hot water as you're running your tap, you could run the excess water into a cup, bowl, or jug. Rather than waste the water down the drain, reuse it for your plants, garden or cooking.
For an interesting Newsround Special to watch how the Cost of Living Crisis is affecting the next generation, visit -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/...