Energy is in high demand. Sources of power are a hot political, social, and environmental debate, but the one thing everyone can agree on is that they would like to save money energy bills. There are plenty of ways to do this. It starts with your behavior, but it also includes the technology you use and the way you use it. Everything from your thermostat to your light bulbs have an impact on your energy bills. Read on to see how you can save money and cut down on energy costs.

Use a Smart Thermostat

Using a thermostat effectively can change everything when it comes to saving on heating and cooling. Even more so, when you use a smart thermostat it gives you that much control. Simply by reducing your temperatures by one degree can help you cut down on heating bills. The Energy Savings Trust has said that you can save £75 just by compromising one degree. If you can save that much from turning down the heat a bit, imagine how much you could save on other things.

If you already using a room thermostat, programmer, and thermostatic radiator valves, you have heating control that enable you to set your heat and hot water or turn if off when it suits you. You may also be able to set different temperatures for different areas of the home, saving money while making your home more comfortable for each individual.

Smart thermostats allow you to operate heating remotely through the internet. There are some sophisticated features on these devices, such as the ability to learn your routine and adjust settings based on the weather forecast. While a smart thermostat depends on your lifestyle, you will have control of the temperature in the home at all times, meaning you can cut down on heating when you are not there and have the home nice and warm by the time you come home.

Switch Energy Suppliers

It is possible to save a lot of money by switching your energy supplier. If you haven’t done so or switched your tariff recently, there is a good chance you could save money. Most fixed energy deals last for about three years and if you don’t take action when they expire you will automatically be moved on to your company’s standard rate. This default or temporary tariff will not be the best deal. According to the site MoneyPug, which is one of the UK’s energy comparison sites, research reveals that you could save up to £169 a year simply by switching from the priciest standard to the market’s best deals.

While savings used to be even higher, around 58 percent of households are on a standard or default tariff according to the energy regulator Ofgem. This means that there are big savings to be made on the majority of energy bills.

Change your Lightbulbs

Replacing lightbulbs can save you a lot. One LED bulb costs under £2 and can save you around £200 over its lifetime. These lightbulbs are cheaper and more efficient than traditional incandescent lights. LEDS are the most energy-efficient light bulbs and use 90 percent less energy. These will likely pay for themselves in the first few months, remember to switch off lights when you leave the room and use the best bulb for the size of the room.

Optimize for Winter

Winter is the time where we all use the most power, but it’s not just the fact that power bills go up when it’s cold. Maintaining your home can make a huge difference. Failing to keel everything in order can lead to home insurance claims that make your premiums climb. You should take the time to ensure that the property is ready for the cold months. Check your gutters to make sure they are free of debris. Inspect timbres and brickwork to see if anything needs to be fixed. Checking external taps, pipes, and hoses to make sure that they are drained and turned off will help you save a lot during the winter months.

It doesn’t matter whether your home is big or small, or if you have a lot of people living in it or a little, there are lots of ways to save on energy. Think about what is costing you and find ways to cut down. It isn’t impossible, in fact it can be quite easy.