Energy-Saving Tips for First-Time Buyers
Buying and moving into your first home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its challenges – including rising energy costs. But with the right strategies, first-time buyers can save money, reduce their environmental impact, and create a comfortable living space. This guide will help make your home more energy efficient, sustainable, and hopefully put a few pennies back in your pocket.
Practical energy-saving tips
From the simplest technology like light bulbs, to the real-time tracking capabilities of smart meters, there are dozens of ways to save money without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. Here’s three of the best.
Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption is to upgrade to LED lighting. That’s because you save in two ways. First, LEDs use significantly less electricity than traditional light bulbs. Second, they last much longer, making them a cost-effective choice for new homeowners.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust to find out more about LED Lighting, and discover the benefits and options available for your home.
Adjust your central heating
Central heating is one of the biggest contributors to energy costs, accounting for around half of a typical household’s bills. Here’s three ways you can save:
- Set a timer. Program your heating to turn on only when needed.
- Adjust your thermostat. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut heating bills by up to 10%.
- Zone your heating: If you can, heat only the rooms you’re actually using.
Learn more about how central heating controls can help you manage your heating more efficiently.
Install a smart meter
A smart meter gives you real-time insights into your energy consumption, helping you take control of your usage. Many energy providers offer free smart meter installation for new homeowners. Find out how to get your free smart meter and start tracking your energy use today.
Green energy solutions
As renewable energy technology continues to improve, prices are becoming increasingly competitive. That means it’s now possible to be both environmentally and price conscious.
Renewable energy tariffs
Switching to a renewable energy tariff is one of the best ways to ensure your new home is powered sustainably. Many energy suppliers now offer 100% green electricity tariffs, meaning your energy comes from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Although renewable tariffs can sometimes be slightly more expensive, the long-term environmental benefits often outweigh the initial costs.
Tree-planting and eco initiatives
Small actions can contribute to big environmental changes. Some energy providers source renewable energy or participate in offsetting projects to lower their carbon footprint. One of these is Utility Warehouse (UW), who run a tree-planting initiative, including one for every new customer that signs up. It has planted over 130,000 trees so far.
How bundling helps new homebuyers
For first-time homebuyers, managing multiple utility providers can be overwhelming. One solution is to group all your bills with the same provider, otherwise known as bundling. Utility Warehouse (UW) offers flexible and affordable bundles tailored to your needs – from mobile SIM card packages to Full Fibre broadband.
Simplified budgeting
Keeping track of multiple bills can be a challenge, especially when juggling the costs and paperwork associated with a new home. Bundling your services allows you to manage your utilities under one provider, with just one simple monthly bill, streamlining the payment process.
What Utility Warehouse bundles can I take?
Learn more about how you can bundle your energy, broadband, mobile and more by switching to UW. You’ll not only save time and money, but you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your new home – not managing your bills.
Energy savings
Our bundled plans include access to energy-saving resources and tools. By combining services and using a smart meter, you’ll also gain insights into your energy use, helping you cut costs further. For more pointers, check out this handy energy-saving tips guide.
As a first-time buyer, adopting some simple energy-saving strategies can make a significant difference to your costs, while reducing your carbon footprint. From practical solutions like LED lighting and central heating controls, to green initiatives and bundling your services, this approach can set you up for long-term savings, sustainability and a happy home.
