As soon as the leaves start falling, your boiler kicks into gear and so does your energy bill! Here are five simple ideas to limit the damage as autumn sets in.
Summer is coming to an end: goodbye flip-flops, barbecues and naps in the sun. Hello cosy socks, umbrellas and the return of the heating! I can’t wait, autumn is my favourite season. But like every year, as soon as the leaves start to fall, my gas boiler rubs its hands together in anticipation of overtime. I pray that gas prices don’t cause my meter to explode! So, starting in October, I try to implement a few simple measures to take gentle action and lower my bill without turning myself into a walking ice cube. I’ve put together five simple but highly effective ideas for saving energy starting in October, some of which are certified by this guide. And as a bonus, you’ll also improve your health, your mood and your wallet! Let’s take a closer look.
Move to stay warm
It’s proven: exercising maintains your body temperature, thereby reducing the need for heating! And no, running to the fridge doesn’t count. A walk in the woods, a yoga session in the living room or even cleaning at a brisk pace (that’s my thing!) are all good ways to warm up naturally. My tip: when it rains, I climb the stairs two at a time to stay active. Bonus: it tones your thighs AND warms you up. And for those who are reluctant to exercise indoors? Do what I do: move to music. There’s nothing like a little karaoke in the kitchen to raise the temperature and your spirits! Yes, a wooden spoon can serve as a microphone, just be careful of the neighbours or your husband coming home earlier than usual!
Optimise your heating without sacrificing comfort
You don’t need 23°C in every room to live happily! All you need to do is heat intelligently. In living areas: 19°C is enough. In the bedroom: 16°C is perfect (and even recommended for sleep). And thermostatic valves will become your best friends. Also remember to bleed your radiators and insulate your pipes with special tape. And if your boiler starts to cough at the first sign of frost, have it serviced. A simple service can save you up to 10% on your annual bill. Yes, really!
Enjoy the sun, even in autumn
Yes, the sun still shines in October (sometimes). And even if it doesn’t heat as much as it does in July, it remains a free source of light and heat. Open the shutters wide during the day, especially on the south side, and let in this beneficial light. On the other hand, as soon as night falls, close your curtains and shutters to retain as much heat as possible. It’s simple, but incredibly effective. And if you have solar panels, they also work when the sky is overcast. As we mentioned in this article, the yield remains significant, even in autumn.
Taking action as a family is more effective
There are no miracles: to save energy, you need to get the whole family on board. Otherwise, while you turn down the heating, your teenager will take 25-minute hot showers (true story!). A few simple rules to follow:
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- Close the doors to rooms that are not heated
- Use a timer in the shower
- Use cold water to wash your hands
- Limit the use of the tumble dryer (and bring out the folding clothes horse)
Infographic: 5 simple and effective ideas to reduce your energy bill from October onwards without sacrificing your comfort.
