How to save energy this winter

As winter settles in across the UK, the need to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures becomes paramount throughout homes, workplaces and commercial spaces. However, the need for these warmer temperatures also leads to an increase in energy consumption, taking its toll on personal finances and the environment. 

In this article, we will delve into some key strategies for conserving energy during the winter months with a focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By implementing these methods, businesses and homeowners can not only keep on top of utility expenses but also contribute to a more environmentally responsible approach to winter comfort.

There’s no doubt that winter brings a need for higher energy use and an unavoidable need for heating, electricity and power. But there are still a number of ways in which homeowners and business owners can maintain an affordable budget whilst still considering energy consumption.

Ensuring that your heating system is working efficiently is key to preserving energy whilst also avoiding any damage or extra costs. Many people opt for yearly maintenance on their heating systems, ensuring that everything is working properly before the colder months hit. This is especially important for businesses as there are also laws and regulations regarding room temperatures and air quality. 

Tip: You could also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to control heating schedules effectively as many older systems could be overworking or not working effectively.

Given the UK’s relatively mild winters, you can lower your thermostat slightly to save energy as a higher temperature might not always be needed. Many modern heating systems come with a timer or programmable thermostat to ensure your home or office is warm when you need it and stays at your desired temperature. These systems can also be controlled through mobile devices so you can adjust them when you’re on the go or set for certain times of the day. 

Winter comes with a greater amount of water and dampness, meaning any home, office, workplace or commercial property needs to be properly insulated to minimise wasted energy and also reduce the risk of mould. One of the best ways to tackle insulation is to find the cause of the issue. For example, are your window and door frames insulating effectively? Does your home have loft insulation?

Although the days are shorter, there is still a chance of a sunny day. And what better source of light and heat than the sun? Whether it’s a house, apartment, restaurant or office, ensuring the space has plenty of natural lighting is a great way to use natural energy, minimising the need for lighting and possibly heating. Find out more about how to optimise natural lighting here and also how this impacts the sustainability of a building.

There are a number of appliances that are used every single day, using electricity and energy in small doses. Objects such as phone charges, kettles, microwaves, TVs and computers are used pretty much everywhere by everyone and can sometimes be using a lot more energy than you think. Although these devices are being used for small amounts of time, they might be working inefficiently, especially if they are older models. 

Most modern appliances come with energy-efficient solutions and although they will have an upfront cost, they are worth the replacement in the long run. It’s also a good idea to carry on maintenance checks, especially on computers and softwares.

Replacing your windows and doors can be a great investment, especially in terms of conserving energy, trapping heat and improving other elements such as safety and aesthetics. Along with materials such as aluminium windows, investing in double-glazed frames can help to combat the cold and dampness during the winter months. Find out more about aluminium windows and energy efficiency here and also how the U-values are involved.

Unplugging chargers, devices, and appliances when not in use will help to prevent standby power consumption, which can add up over time. This is especially important in workplaces which have a high number of computers, machinery and electrics. 

Installing aluminium windows and doors throughout a home or commercial building can help to improve thermal performance, reduce air leakage, maximise solar gain and provide double-glazed construction.

ABS have a team of professional window installers who fabricate aluminium windows for commercial properties across the UK. Covering round windows, square windows, gothic arch and porthole, ABS aluminium windows provide a stylish, durable and energy-efficient solution for homes, offices, schools, factories and any other commercial space.