With energy prices rising amid the cost of living crisis, many households are looking for ways to keep their bills to a minimum. A property expert has now revealed her top tips to help cut down on energy usage and save on rising costs.
Kimberley Pope, who works for one of the UK's largest professional landlords Grainger Plc, says that there is one thing that everyone should check before a buying or renting a property, which can help you save up to £3,246 a year.
Resident service manager Kimberly says every household should check their property's energy performance certificate to help save on energy bills throughout the year.
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“All properties have an energy performance certificate (EPC) to measure how energy efficient a property is," Kimberly explained. "Each property is graded between A and G, with A being the most efficient and G as the least efficient.
“Recent JLL data shows the average annual energy bill of a property with an EPC level G is now on average £3,246 higher versus a property with an EPC of A to C.
“With energy costs a key concern for many, the age and energy efficiency of most build to rent developments is appealing. When searching for your next home, an EPC level of A to C is highly recommended to help save on energy bills throughout the year."
Build to Rent developments are properties that are designed and built with the needs of modern day renters in mind.
“Build to Rent developments tend to be situated in prime central locations, so if you are looking for a new apartment in the city, be sure to check the EPC rating, a simple trick to save some money in the long run," Kimberly added.
“Several Build to Rent properties also offer amenities such as high-speed broadband, gym memberships, and co-working spaces all included within the rent, allowing residents to cut back on extra spend within the home.”
Kimberly also offered other tips to help households cut their bills during the cost of living crisis.
“As the days get brighter and the temperature gets warmer, there’s no better time to cut back on using your tumble dryer. Switch out hours of tumble drying for a low-cost airer and benefit from the improving weather to naturally air-dry clothes in your home," she said.
“If you do wish to use the tumble dryer, use it once, for every two washes in one day. Do one wash, then leave the wet items aside whilst the second wash is on, then combine the suitable items from both washes into one drying load and hang up the remainder of clothing items.
This will reduce the number of times you need to use the tumble dryer in a day, as you’re not drying each load separately.”
The property expert also said that packing your dishwasher strategically will help reduce your energy usage.
“My top tip boils down to your dishwasher packing technique, treat it almost like a game of Tetris, fill the dishwasher as much as possible, as this will ensure it’s only used every couple of days and won’t massively impact your energy usage," Kimberly said.
How are you looking to save during the cost of living crisis? Let us know in the comments section.
“Make sure you are utilising all the space available within the machine, pack cups, glasses and cooking utensils on the top shelf of the dishwasher, leaving space below for plates to be neatly stacked in a row, with bowls and casserole dishes – therefore using the washer less and reducing energy usage and associated bills."
Kimberly also said that energy saving bulbs are a 'must'.
“If you’re looking to keep your apartment bright but also want to save money on electricity bills, switching to energy saving light bulbs or solar powered lamps is a must. Energy-efficient bulbs and solar powered lighting will help to lower electricity bills and CO2 emissions, without reducing the quality of light in your home.”
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