As the weather gets colder and the cost of energy climbs higher, many of us may be thinking about ways to best get by without breaking the bank. Here’s our top ten ways to reduce your energy usage without having to forgo your comforts this winter.
1. Invest in an Air Fryer
There are many benefits to using an air fryer, from crispier healthier cooking using less oil, to a much smaller surface space to keep clean. However, did you know that they are also very energy efficient? As they heat up food much faster than a conventional oven and use much less electricity, you could save up to £143 on your energy bill (compared to using a conventional fan oven for around an hour a day, costing around £285 per year on average). Why not check out our range in-store, including the best-selling Tower Xpress 5 in 1 manual control Air Fryer with a 60 minute timer. It includes rapid air circulation.
Tower Xpress T17038 5-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Rapid Air Circulation, Manual Control and 60 Minute Timer, 11 Litre, Black £129.95
2. Open your oven door
For all the good points about air fryers, and there are many, sometimes you will want to stick to using your oven. On these occasions, when your food has finished cooking, don’t waste that heat – open up the door and allow the toasty warmth to escape into your kitchen rather than sticking the heating on.
3. Air dry your clothes
If you already have the heating on, make the most of it by using that heat to air dry your clothes, rather than using the tumble dryer. You will be surprised how quickly clothes can dry in a warm room, and they will be much less creased – which could potentially save you on ironing, too! Alternatively, why not try a heated airer?
Carmen Heated Under Blanket, King Size, £43.99 Available in the Chelmsford Quadrant Store.
4. Use an electric blanket
Apart from being super cosy, most electric blankets are very energy efficient as they cost very little to run, which for most people would make this a preferable choice over putting the heating on. As well as this, they have many other benefits including promoting better sleep, soothing aching muscles and even preventing the spread of dust mites! Check out our range of heated blankets by Carmen and DAEWOO in our department stores.
Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker, 3.5L, £24.99 Available in the Chelmsford Quadrant Store. (Tower equivalent product available in Braintree)
5. Slow cook it
Winter is definitely the time for warming, comforting meals like soups and stews – and what better way to cook than by throwing the ingredients in a slow cooker before leaving for work, letting the machine work its magic and coming home to a hot and ready dinner? Minimal effort is required, and like an air fryer, it uses only a fraction of the energy when compared to conventional cooking methods. Why not try this super-comforting slow-cooked Beef & Mushroom Pie?
6. Use an Electric Heater
Be prepared for the winter chill with our range of halogen, fan and convector heaters; an ideal form of low cost heating for your home. Portable and convenient, there’s no need to wait for your central heating to circulate when you can obtain instant heat, exactly where you want it!
7. Don’t block the heat
If you do eventually give in and put the heating on, do be sure that your radiators aren’t blocked by large pieces of furniture such as sofas, as these will absorb the majority of the heat and prevent it from circulating around the room as it should. The same thing goes for drying clothes – don’t place the clothing on or too close to the radiator, as just having them in a heated room will be enough to dry them quickly.
8. Stay unplugged
As energy efficient as they can be, electrical appliances can be a drain on energy if left plugged in while not being used, as they still continue to use electricity. So if you are not using your hairdryer or your phone charger, just unplug it from the socket to save energy being wasted. Additionally, be sure not to leave your TV on ‘standby’ and instead make sure it is properly switched off when not being used.
9. Keep it low
Keeping your heating on a consistent low temperature, rather than turning it on and off, can save on energy. This is because it takes a lot more energy to heat up a cold room, but if left on a low temperature, the heat can build up slowly over time – and there won’t be any energy wasted from getting too hot and having to be switched off, either.
10. Wrap up
It may go without saying, but the best way to keep warm is simply to wrap up! One of the best things about this time of year are the choices of soft and cosy winter clothing and loungewear. Think fluffy pyjamas, woolly jumpers and soft robes – or luxurious fleecy blankets and throws. It can make the world of difference on cold days, meaning you can keep that heating on a lower temperature.